SPECIAL HOCKEY INTERNATIONAL

Special Hockey International (SHI) is an annual tournament played between teams from Canada, the USA and Europe. It is, as the name suggests, a tournament with a difference as all teams consist of adults and children with Autism, or learning difficulties. It is a vibrant tournament which moves between the host nations. In March 2017, SHI will take place in Peterborough, Ontario, and will include teams from the UK.Bulldogs player, Harry Clegg, has been invited to take part in SHI2017 as a member of the Special People on Ice (SPICE) Jets, Team ‘A’. SPICE will be sending 2 teams this year, with team ‘A’ being made up of U20, U18 and U15 players from around the country. Harry visited Slough earlier in the year, to take part in trials alongside potential teammates, in sessions with players from Slough, Basingstoke, and Oxford, amongst others. There are several training sessions between now and March, and Harry is looking forward to the challenge. Despite Slough’s rink being closed for refurbishment, the Jets are eagerly awaiting the opening of a temporary facility, which will allow the teams to continue training before they leave for Canada. Although the tournament schedule is still to be finalised, Harry will be facing teams from across Europe, the USA and Canada with players ranging in age from 20 -14. This is a big test for Harry, given the wide age group involved, but one which he is greatly looking forward to.