Autism Society | Albany Autism

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team will host an Autism Awareness Game on Sunday when the USA Under-18 Team visits the Houston Field House. Puck drop for this special game is 4pm.

In addition to raising awareness for Autism, the goal of the arrangements for that game, an exhibition contest, is also to make the experience more comfortable for the children with Autism and special needs who are in attendance at the game. This is the second year the RPI men's hockey team has hosted such a game. It defeated Colgate University, 2-1, last season in what is considered to be the first of its kind in major college sports in which a total accommodation was made for persons on the autism spectrum.  

"It is a privilege for RPI Hockey to partner with our fans and friends in the autism community and we look forward to building on the success of last year's game," said Rensselaer head coach Seth Appert.

Executive Director of the Greater Capital Region Autism Society Janine Kruiswijk commented, "We are extremely pleased to work once again with the RPI men's hockey team to raise awareness for our community. Last year's game was a huge hit and raised awareness throughout the region."

Among the opportunities to help raise awareness that afternoon is the elimination of music over the sound system as well as the exclusion of the goal horn as those with autism are sensitive to loud music. Additionally, the volume of the public address announcer's microphone will be lowered. Also, because of sensitivity to bright lights, the video board will not feature flashing displays.

This year's game will also feature a fan giveaway of a commemorative RPI Hockey Autism Awareness t-shirt to the first 500 fans. The Albany Autism Society will also have available an additional 100 shirts that will be sold for a donation to benefit the work and services they provide the Capital Region. Following the game, the RPI players will be available to sign t-shirts for fans.  

There will also be opportunities for the Albany Autism Society to raise awareness and money. Members of the group will staff a table with information and literature to distribute. And that night's Chuck-a-Puck proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society.

In addition to the Autism Society website, more information about autism can be found at Albany Autism as well as http://www.autismspeaks.org.