Press Release
Niagara IceDogs News and Notes:
Matt Gillard Injury Update
The Niagara IceDogs would like to provide everyone an update on the condition of forward Matt Gillard.
After leaving last night’s game after his collision with the boards, Matt was taken to hospital where x-rays revealed fractures in his neck in two places on his C6 vertebrae.
Because of the location of the breaks, he is expected to make a full recovery but unfortunately his season is over as he works to get better.
Fans who want to send their thoughts and best wishes can send them in to Wade at the IceDogs office either by e-mail ([email protected]) or drop them off in person and we will be sure that they are passed along to Matt and his family.
The entire IceDogs organization wishes to Matt and the rest of the Gillard family all the best during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them and we look forward to seeing Matt make a full recovery.
Niagara Jr. IceDogs
The Niagara IceDogs are proud to announce that they have partnered with the CYO Heat, which will be renamed the Niagara Jr. IceDogs!
The change became official last night prior to the IceDogs game against the Hamilton Bulldogs as members of the new Niagara Jr. IceDogs took part in a pregame ceremony that saw their new jersey unveiled and members of the team participate in a puck drop with Darryl Sittler.
The newly named Niagara Jr. IceDogs is a hockey program which supports those with Special Needs, helping them to learn and enjoy the game of hockey in its proper form.
In addition to the name change, as part of the partnership, the Niagara Jr. IceDogs will wear jerseys with the IceDogs logo on them and have the opportunity to practice with the IceDogs.
Now in its 16th year, the CYO Heat program was established by Joe Fegan and Rick Jones, with the support of St. Catharines CYO Hockey, to ensure all those within the Niagara Region with Special Needs, be it physical or developmental, have an opportunity to participate, play and enjoy our country’s favorite past time. That tradition will continue as the CYO Heat become the Niagara Jr. IceDogs.
Players and participants of all ages are welcome – a desire to learn and play the game of hockey and enjoy the experience is all that is required.
The Jr. IceDogs have a weekly on ice program which entails instructional time in teaching the various elements of the game – skating, puck control, team work, team play and game environment. The program has players of a wide variety of age and skill, therefore catering to all.
The program has close ties and association within Special Hockey International, a group of programs across North America which carry the same type structure and hockey program for those with Special Needs. Occasional exhibition games and trips to neighboring SHI teams (within the GTA and Rochester to date) are done to allow our team to play formal games, in a friendly and supportive environment for all.
The IceDogs organization is proud and excited to work with the Niagara Jr. IceDogs program to help continue to ensure that those in Niagara with Special Needs are able to enjoy and participate in the great game of hockey!
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