BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A mother was asked about her autistic son; about what his playing for the Lehigh Valley Polar Bears special needs hockey team has meant to him.
- The 10th annual Lehigh Valley Winter Classic on Saturday at Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink was a fundraiser for Special Hockey of Lehigh Valley
- The Lehigh Valley Polar Bears give those ages 5 to mid-20s with autism, Down syndrome and other cognitive challenges the opportunity to learn and play hockey in an inclusive and supportive environment
- The event has raised a total of $315,000 since its founding
Before answering, Suzanne Reid looked up and smiled at her 15-year-old blond-haired boy, whose childhood dream was to play professional hockey — a chance at that dream was roadblocked by fate’s cruel hand.
“Liam has had such a great time with the Polar Bears,” Reid said before her son later would score a goal in the Polar Bears’ game against the Bucks County Admirals.
“He’s been involved with them since 2019, when he first learned to skate. It’s been so good for him in so many ways.”
A mother paused.
“The most important thing is, if Liam didn’t have hockey with the Polar Bears, he wouldn’t have made all these friendships,” she said.
'Hockey players just like I was'
The friendships fostered by all those affiliated with the Polar Bears were tangible Saturday at the 10th annual Lehigh Valley Winter Classic at Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink.
Special Hockey of Lehigh Valley has long been committed to giving those ages 5 to their mid-20s with autism, Down syndrome and other cognitive challenges the opportunity to learn and play hockey in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“The most important thing is, if Liam didn’t have hockey with the Polar Bears, he wouldn’t have made all these friendships.”Suzanne Reid
The day-long event consisted of nine hockey games as well as hockey merchandise for sale, gift basket raffles and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting Special Hockey of Lehigh Valley.
Also supporting the fundraiser were former Philadelphia Flyers Scott Hartnell, Bill Clement and Riley Cote, who signed autographs.
“This is such a great event and why I’ve been a supporter for about seven years,” Clement said. “This is about the spirit of the community. They rally around these kids. We're here to help the cause. And the cause is helping special kids do something many of them would only dream about if not for this program.
“You know, when these kids are out there on the ice, they’re not special hockey players; they’re hockey players, just like I was, and Scotty and Riley.”
'What happens here is unique'
The ice rink pavilion was a beehive of activity: smiles, laughter and folks opening their wallets and hearts to ensure the Polar Bears will continue keeping their doors open and breaking down walls for those who need a helping hand.
“This is so awesome that everybody here is committed to helping us,” said Polar Bears President Joe Guellnitz, who with wife, Nicole, founded the organization with basically no budget and a few informational fliers.
“What happens here is unique. The kids are on the ice, essentially in a glass cage with their coaches, and they’re able to play hockey and be kids.
“But part of the magic is that most of our volunteer coaches are high school kids. So some of the coaches see some of the players in the halls at school and will fist-bump with the players. That's fantastic.”
Guellnitz noted that the nine in-person fundraising events — COVID-19 forced cancellation in 2021 — $315,000 has been raised, including a record $69,000 last year.
The Polar Bears spread the wealth to other hockey organizations under the American Special Hockey Association umbrella, providing grants to assist in founding similar teams across the country, including as far away as Alaska and Seattle.
'I play for the Polar Bears'
A father was asked about his autistic son.
Before answering, Bob Siemon placed his hand on the shoulder of his 26-year-old son, Matthew, one of two players remaining with the program from the original five in January 2015.
Matt continues to be part of the Polar Bears despite having had elbow and knee surgeries the past two years from an on-ice mishap.
“Matt just loves being part of the Polar Bears,” Siemon said. “He has his challenges; he also has hearing issues. But every year when it’s time for hockey, I ask him if he wants to play again. The answer is always yes.”
Liam Reid was standing in line waiting to get autographs from the Flyers alumni. He handed Cote a placard adorned with photos of the three Flyers players.
“Do you enjoy playing hockey?” Cote asked.
“I love it,” Liam said. “I play for the Polar Bears.”
And then he smiled.
So did his mom.
