Joshua's Heart Full of Hugs: January 2018

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

BYU Hockey vs. Utah Grizzlies Special Needs Hockey

BYU Hockey vs. Utah Grizzlies Special Needs Hockey

January 14, 2018

Provo, Utah

Utah Grizzlies Special Needs Hockey vs. BYU Hockey

Let's start with the score! The Utah Grizzlies beat the BYU Hockey Team 23 to 5. So it was either a blowout, or one of the most inspirational games you will ever see. And yes, it was both! The Special Needs players skated their hearts out and each of them scored at least one goal! And it was definitely inspirational because these incredible BYU hockey players played against and with them at the same time! They had hearts of gold as they helped the special needs players really play hockey by blocking, stealing and scoring against them. But they also helped them handle the puck, pass the puck and score goals! They were truly masters at the game at accomplishing many things at the same time! The cheers and the high fives at each goal was incredible! And the joy and excitement of all the players brought tears to this mom's eyes!

This was also an extra special treat today because I had the amazing blessing and privilege to begin and manage this team the very first year in 2007. I already knew the incredible Beck Family from t-ball and other special needs activities! And was so excited to re-unite with Teri and Randy, and their awesome sons Mitchell, Justin and Kanu! Teri and Randy have given their sons a truly happy and fulfilled life! And I loved personally witnessing their very first year as hockey players. To see the progress of all three boys was so emotionally uplifting and inspiring. There was no doubt that these boys had incredible coaches and parents!

Both teams played with so much heart, so much passion and so much unity! And even though BYU "lost" 23 - 5, it was the best loss they ever had!

Managing this team was constantly inspirational as the talented coaches, Don Homan, Randy Beck and others have sacrificed and dedicated so much time for these many special needs hockey players and given them a chance to learn and love a sport so much that it has become part of who they are as they clearly shine with their new talents and love for this incredible game! I loved watching Reese, Jathan, Bree, Mitchell, Justin, Kanu and so many others as they worked hard and grew so much! They are simply incredible!

In honor of Joshua, and in honor of my own three hockey sons, I was the first manager of this incredible team! I only managed the team for one year because as much as I loved this team with all of my heart, it also broke my heart to not have my own special needs son as part of this program. This team was healing to my broken heart as it was less than two years after Joshua died, but it was also very difficult because I missed Joshua so much! Deann Torsak, Teri Beck and Kathy Wylie were such enthusiastic, talented and dedicated Moms that to turn the managing of the team over to them was easier because I knew they would give this team their all, and they did! They did more with the team than I ever could have done. Being a part of the beginning of this team will always be a blessing and honor I hold close to my heart. I love this team!

Thank you to Mike Holmes who was the founder of this fabulous team! His dedication and vision has brought joy to countless hockey players and parents!

Thank you to all of the coaches today: The Coaches of the Special Needs Grizzlies: Don Homan and Randy Beck - coaches and dads! And the Managers of the Special Needs Grizzlies: Deann Torsak and Teri Beck - managers and moms! And to the BYU Hockey Coaches: Ed Gantt, Brent Ring and Jeremy Eisenstat - coaches and heroes!

Thank you to the Grizzlies Special Needs Players!! You are awesome and you rock! Your dedication, hard work and love for hockey are inspiring! You are true heroes!

Thank you to the BYU Hockey Team! You are incredible hockey players and incredible young men! Watching you give time, love, joy and laughter to these special needs player on a Saturday, just hours before a traditional hockey game, made me even prouder to be a BYU hockey mom! You all rock!

And I'm especially filled with gratitude for my three favorite hockey players and incredible sons: BYU Assistant Coach Jeremy Eisenstat, Captain Defenseman #5 Jacob Eisenstat, and Defenseman #17 Janson Eisenstat. You were always an incredible and loving brother to Joshua, and that compassion, understanding and love shown through today.

If you ever want an inspiring Saturday, just come to the Peaks Ice Arena on a Saturday in the Winter at 1:00pm. It will be an experience you will never forget. And bring some kleenex too.