Debbie McQuilkin
Program Director, Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey
Debbie may not have any children who play for the Storm hockey team, but that does not stop her from pouring her heart into all aspects of the program, even grant writing! Debbie's passion for the program truly shines through, especially in the great success of the Storm and the entire Storm team. We can truly see the positive contributions Debbie has made in the lives of others and can all learn a lesson on the importance of volunteering from Debbie.
What hockey program do you volunteer with?
Our program is called Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey. It is specifically designed for children and young adults with a developmental disability. We currently have 32 players with developmental disabilities that range from very low to very high functioning. We adjust the program to accommodate all the athletes to create success. Some of our players drive from more than an hour away in order to participate each week.
Do you have any kids that play in the program?
I have 4 children, none with a developmental disability. However, my three boys are mentors (junior coaches) in the program and assist our players with skating and hockey skills each week.
Why did you originally start the Connecticut Storm program?
It all began with an equipment drive when I managed one of my son's New Canaan Winter Club travel teams. The recipient of the collected (a locker room chock full) equipment was the American Special Hockey Association who needed hockey gear to help new special programs. The President asked me to begin a program here, and with their guidance, Storm was formed.
What is your current role in the program?
I am the Director of the program. With the help of a small group of dedicated Board members, we oversee every aspect of Storm Hockey, from Securing ice to ordering pizza after a game with another special team. We are all volunteers.
How long have you been working for the storm?
We officially began in July of 2007 with 5 players and no ice. We hit the floor running on a wing and a prayer! We now skate weekly on Sunday's and play occasional games on ice donated by our friends from the CHC.
What are your goals with the Connecticut Storm?
We have many goals, mostly to grow our team. We see the positive changes made in the lives of our Special Athletes daily as a direct result of the game of hockey. The impact of hockey has been an incredibly positive force for these players both on and off the ice.
We hope to find a corporate sponsor to assist us with our ice costs so the program can continue to thrive for many years.
Why do you like being a volunteer?
I love being a volunteer. I feel so fortunate to be able to give to others who face hardships every day. Not just financial, it's easy to just write a check, but to have a hands-on way to make a difference in someone's life, that's the good stuff. I do it because I love it and hope that the example stays with my children as they grow into adulthood. Since my children have become involved with Storm too, they realize how fortunate they are to have sports opportunities in so many areas, no matter what the level, and they feel the same joy our special athletes do when they are all on the ice together and achieving success. The hugs and smiles make it so worthwhile!
Would you recommend others also volunteer and why?
I think everyone should volunteer. Everyone has a passion, or activity they love. What better way is there to share that love and set an example for your family and friends than to find a volunteer opportunity that makes a difference in the lives of others? You need only see one Storm practice to realize the impact on the families who participate.
What is the most extreme thing you have done as a volunteer?
I once jumped into 30 degree water to tape a Newfoundland Dog water rescue training tape for my Newfie club. As a matter of fact, a couple of my boys did the same. Fortunately the dogs did their job, because we were unable to move in the frigid water and they safely rescued us!
Now, I'm getting pretty good at grant writing for Storm and staying warm and dry!
What is your most memorable moment working with the Connecticut Storm?
Storm is a weekly memorable moment. I spend each week going over in my head all the special moments I witnessed at practice. One of the most memorable was Big James first few weeks with us. He's a solid, tall guy and came to Storm with no skating experience. We used the metal skate assists to help him find his balance and one day (his third practice) he looked around, saw that some of the kids were skating without one, handed the assist back to us and said he no longer needed it and skated away. We all stood there with our mouths open. We still talk about that.
