The Victoria Royals were in action on Monday night – but not on the ice.
Instead they joined forces with Victoria Special Olympics floor hockey players for their annual friendly game.
They all took to the floor in the gymnasium at Ecole Victor Brodeur in Esquimalt.
The evening was celebrated as a Special Olympics Play Unified event.
Play Unified is a global movement aimed at promoting social inclusion so athletes with intellectual disabilities play alongside others without.
“They look up to the Royals so much,” said Victoria Special Olympics coach Greg Ross.
“They go to the games, so this is just like an NHL experience for most of them.”
“These guys know a lot about our stats and standings, sometimes more than the players” said Royals leading scorer Matthew Phillips.
“Its a lot of fun and its good not just to play with them, but to hang out and chat.”
The Royals are back on the ice on Friday evening as they host Portland.
Ben O'Hara
