The SHI 2024 Tournament will be hosted by The Great Blizzards of Massachusetts. The Great Blizzards is a successful four-year-old program which is based at the Bog Ice Arena in Kingston, MA. In September 2023, they will be launching a second team for Cape Cod residents: The Great Blizzards of Cape Cod.
As members of the United States governing body USA Hockey, The Great Blizzards provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to shine on the ice, regardless of physical or cognitive needs, age, gender, race, ethnicity, experience, and other background. One of the goals of the program is to introduce ice hockey to this special group of people and give them an experience that is like what a player would experience on a youth hockey team. Traveling to play other inclusive teams and in tournaments in and out of Massachusetts is an important part of the experience for players and their families.
The Great Blizzards believe that sports should be inclusive, fun, and accessible to as many people as possible, and when it comes to ice hockey, it is the team for everybody without a team.
With friendly, experienced coaches and assistant coaches and an emphasis on blending challenge with fun, The Great Blizzards brings skaters of all skill levels, genders, accommodation requirements, and economic backgrounds together in a healthy, confidence-building activity.
The team is also made possible through volunteer coaches and assistant coaches some as young as middle schoolers with a passion for helping its players.