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posted almost 12 years ago
#1
In life he was known as an irascible old man who created lots of controversy, and even in death his kids hated him for giving away most of his millions to charity. He dared to defy NHL rules, greatly angered league officials, taunted the media, and terrorized the Maple Leafs players. Yet there was another side to Harold Ballard that would have surprised almost all of us. It was a very hidden side of Uncle Harold who took a deep interest in a very special hockey team. Harold Ballard allowed this team to play at the Gardens on several occasions. He fulfilled the dreams of many of this team’s players who normally would never have been able to play at the Gardens. They savoured every minute of being able to skate, handle the puck, and bang into the Gardens Boards. It did not matter to them if they were not able to see the ice with its blue and red lines, and the goal posts, crossbars, and nets. Yes, the Ice Owls are a team made up of mostly totally blind and visually impaired players. There are only four sighted players on the team, and there is even one Female player. She is both visually impaired and hard of hearing. The team is made up of 13 guys and 1 girl. The youngest is 15, and the oldest is 71. For the past 29 years, the Ice Owls have been playing ice hockey. They were formed by two MTHL Coaches who wanted to teach blind and visually impaired persons how to play ice hockey. During this time the Ice Owls team has done much to change the lives of many of their players. They are heavily involved in playing benefits games, and they travel to other cities and countries to spread the word that blind and visually impaired persons can play ice hockey. This team wants to help make a difference to those who are blind and visually impaired. They want to show the sighted world that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. They are spreading the word both on and off the ice. Their Captain Eddy Parenteau wants to use the Internet to attract more players and sponsors, and their goalie Mario Ros wants persons to come out and give it a try
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