Muskies ‘draft’ new player and assistant coach for in support of Five Counties

For years, family and staff of hockey player Ryan and hockey fan Kendra have been cheering on the duo. Now fans from across the region can do the same at the Lindsay Muskies’ game on Oct. 20.

The Muskies have drafted Ryan, 10, as the team’s seventh skater and Kendra, 14, as an assistant coach for the game. Both will represent Five Counties Children’s Centre, which is benefitting from some tickets sales and game-day activities at the Lindsay Recreation Complex at the game against the Wellington Dukes.

The afternoon game falls on a Sunday, giving families an activity to do together while helping out a good cause.

Ryan has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. When he came to Five Counties, he could not sit up on his own or open and close his hands. “He can walk, run, swing, and climb stairs,” Rachelle says with pride.

“Over the years, Ryan has overcome many barriers, beat the odds and surpass many challenges,” his mother Rachelle says. “He has a love for sports and plays hockey with Electric City Maroon and White Special Needs Hockey.”

Meanwhile, Kendra has a very rare chromosomal abnormality that causes global delays in her development, including her speech and her joints. While her upcoming knee surgery will keep her off the ice, she is a vocal sports fan who is looking forward to motivating fans and players from the bench.

“Five Counties has been such a positive influence on Kendra’s life,” her mother Karyn says. “She has become more confident in her skills. She has found a place in this community that shows her that she belongs and is loved by all.”

The game begins at 1:30 p.m. with the singing of O Canada by Five Counties’ Speech and Language Pathologist Jacqui Alleyne. An hour before the game, fans can get their faces painted, play table-top hockey and play with giant Lego blocks. All proceeds from these activities will help more children like Ryan and Kendra to get life-changing therapies at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Fans are welcome to skate with the team after the game.

Tickets for the game sell for $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students (of that cost, half of the money for tickets goes directly to Five Counties, if you buy them from the Centre). Reserve your tickets by contacting Fund Development Co-ordinator Lois Tuffin at 705-324-9320, ext. 5850 or .

For more details, contact Five Counties’ Fund Development Co-ordinator Lois Tuffin at 705-748-2337, ext. 380 or .