Autism Awareness Month: Canucks Autism Network

For an athlete to begin playing the sport they love, or to fall in love with it at all, they need a support system. A place to hit the ice or run onto the field. For most athletes, they can join the local recreational league, travel league, or find private lessons, if applicable.

But not all athletes can.

The Vancouver Canucks are changing that each session at a time through the Canucks Autism Network. The network takes place from October to March in three different locations in Canada: Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey. 

The Canucks Autism Network teaches youth and adult athletes with Autism how to play hockey for a six month period. Each week, a combination of coaches, workers, and volunteers host a 55 minute hockey clinic for groups of up to 21 participants.

The lessons include a variety of programs such as individual and small groups for skill practice, group games as well as scrimmages. Such lessons are specifically designed and adapted for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

The criteria to be a part of the network includes a few different specifications. First, you must have a diagnosis of Autism and have an active CAN Membership. The parents and guardians must also sign the Hockey Parent Agreement Form for their participant. Participants and their families must also commit to attend the sessions on a weekly basis during the program.

They also have to commit to participate in their team’s fundraising efforts as well as pay a subsidized program registration fee of $500 and hockey fees eligible to be paid through participant’s Autism funding. Players also have to provide their own equipment

Players must also be able to demonstrate from pre-requisites before they can join in the session. They must be able to fall and get up, balance one foot on the spot for both feet, one foot push glide sequence around a circle, snow plow full stop, step and plant, and forward skate a perimeter of ice space with a stride

The Canucks Autism Network also provides community outreach to help provide a more educated community for those with Autism. They strive to create a more inclusive environment where individuals with Autism and their family can feel understood, accepted & supported in a range of community activities and spaces. 

The network also strives to work to reach goals in their community by providing training and accessibility to resources in different sectors through various sports, first-responders, schools and with other community resources. 

If you are in the Vancouver, Coquitlam and Surrey areas reach out to volunteer, work, or sign your athlete up for the upcoming program!