Two full sets of goalie gear, along with skates and brand new team jackets were stolen from a special needs hockey program
Two full sets of goalie gear, along with skates and brand new team jackets were stolen from a special needs hockey program“This is the program for kids who don’t fit into mainstream hockey,” says Gus Ascroft, general manager of the Ravens.
“Kids on the autism spectrum can usually keep up when they’re younger, but as the game gets faster, they get left behind.” So 13 years ago Ascroft and his wife Wendy rented a sheet of ice, to provide their daughter, who is autistic with Down’s Syndrome, a place to play. They put the word out, hoping a few families might show up.And they’re thriving. A tight-knit hockey community with a distinctive logo, their own jackets, and their own identity carved out proudly in a sport that doesn’t always make space easily. “We’re having the time of our lives when we come out here,” says defenceman Owen Hilderley, better known to teammates as O-Dog.When players went to get ready for practice, they discovered someone had gotten into a locked storage room located near the change rooms at Juan de Fuca Arena and stolen two full sets of goalie gear, along with skates and brand new team jackets meant for incoming players. “For some reason, they took the jackets too,” Ascroft says, shaking his head. “They look just like this one. I don’t know why.”And one of the goalies is left-handed, meaning it’s tough to find and even tougher to pay for. Ascroft is combing online sites for used gear, but that equipment will most likely have to be purchased new. “It’s devastating,” Owen says. “We raise so much money to get all those extra supplies.” Gear is provided to players who don’t have it. Fundraising during the season helps to keep costs extremely low for families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate. “It’s $50 dollars, not bad for hockey,” says Ascroft.“As soon as word got out, the support started pouring in,” Ascroft says. “Like my wife said, all heaven has broken loose over this.” Ascroft says businesses have offered to help replace some of the gear, as have some of the players’ families. “The only downside to all of this is that money would be better suited to furthering the program,” he says. “Instead we’re using it to replace what we already had.”“If it was you and you’re watching this, and you feel guilty, please make it right,” says Cpl. Nancy Saggar. “Turn yourself in. Give us a call.” Police believe the gear may have been taken gradually over several weeks sometime between Sept. 28 and Oct. 19.If your child has outgrown their hockey equipment and it’s still in good shape, the Ravens would be grateful. “We’ve got a couple of six- and eight-year-olds just starting,” Ascroft says. “We’d like to get them geared up.” And if you see the Ravens logo on someone who clearly didn’t earn it, speak up. If you have any information you’re asked to contact Crime Stoppers or West Shore RCMP.Jordan has been telling the stories of people, places and things on Vancouver Island for 20 years. Connecting with community while shooting, writing and editing stories every day allows for full creative...
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