The Special Olympics Michigan Area 5 athletes and Ferris State University’s hockey team teamed up for an annual game that benefits Special Olympics programs and provides an opportunity for the players to give back to the community. 

“This is my third time in this game. It is awesome and a great opportunity for our team to get together; I know it is very fun for both the teams,” said Andrew Noel, a junior defenseman from Maynard, Massachusetts Noel said. “There are a lot of times where the play gets a little chippy, but we respect how much the Special Olympians want to compete in this contest.” 

Special Olympics provides year-round sport training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization’s Area 5 includes participants from Mecosta, Osceola, Oceana, and Newaygo counties. This year’s event took place Oct. 2 in Ferris State’s Student Recreation Center. 

Nick Borders was ready to pump up his teammates on the Area 5 squad before the contest, as he prepared for his fifth contest against Ferris State’s Division I athletes. 

“I look forward to this every year, whether we are in real hockey jerseys or not,” Borders said. “It is also good to play our ‘Heart-to-Heart, Hand-in Hand’ game against Ferris’ basketball teams, but we really want to keep up our winning.” 

Borders again enjoyed victory as Area 5 took a 7-6 final in the 2024 Poly Hockey contest. 

Regional Special Olympics director Pat Rosales said the organization appreciates the guests who attend the annual game. Ferris State hockey head coach Bob Daniels and donors were among those cheering on the participants.

“There are a lot of folks who support this event who do not come, but I know our athletes are proud to be out there playing with the hockey team,” Rosales said. “It is a great partnership that continues, with everyone enjoying the game and cheering each other on.”