Sachem Hockey Volunteers with LI Blues

On the ice at Town of Oyster Bay Ice Arena a flurry of orange jerseys often dash around every Sunday, and next to them are volunteer skaters by way of the Sachem hockey program.

Those in orange jerseys enjoy hockey, they smile at the chance to have blade touch ice and take a shot on a goalie. They play in games and tournaments, represent Long Island and shed their skill during games in ice arenas across the tri-state area. The only difference is that those in the orange Long Island Blues uniforms suffer from disabilities.

In 2004 Mike Russo, a Ronkonkoma resident, called his pal Neil Robbins, a coach with Wantagh-Seaford hockey, and asked if he’d help start a disabled hockey program. It didn’t take long for interest to spread and today there are more than 50 players on the Blues.

Russo’s son Nicholas, 13, has autism and down syndrome and his other sons Mike, 16, an Matthew, 11, both assist with the Blues as often as possible.

“It’s more than just hockey,” Russo said. “It’s parents networking. It’s these kids being part of a group, a team. They can’t believe it when the kids are out there for the first time.”

Since Russo lives in the Sachem community, Neal Greenburg, the president of the Sachem Hockey Club, jumped at the opportunity to have his players volunteer their time.

They line up with disabled players, train them, skate with them and become a part of their lives. Players are broken up into three levels of skill on the ice, all with partners to watch their every move.

“What makes me most happy and proud is that these volunteers are truly sincere and do a better job than anyone could have expected for no monetary or material gain,” said Greenberg, whose son Brian volunteers. “It truly turned out to be a win-win for everyone, especially the kids.”

“These kids don’t have to be here,” added Robbins, “but they come because of the love of doing it. The love, the passion and how good it feels to have someone love you back. We’ve come a long way as a society.”