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Pucks for Autism raises more than $53,000 for SEDOL

Pucks for Autism is an Adult Hockey tournament held each year at Glacier Ice Arena in Vernon Hills to help raise awareness and support for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. All of the profits from the event will go to benefit autism programs within the Special Education District of Lake County. This year's tournament hosted more than 30 teams and raised more than $53,000 for the SEDOL Foundation.

One of the inspiring stories of the event was a group of young men who called themselves Team Show MI. Not only did their team represent Autism Awareness, with jerseys sporting a team logo and puzzle piece theme in vibrant colors, but they also featured a 21-year-old defenseman on the autism spectrum, Walker Aurand from Kentwood, Michigan. While the majority of the players on the team play ACHA Division 1 college hockey for the Davenport University Panthers, the team also represented the young athletes with whom Aurand played A division high school hockey, including Aurand's 19-year-old brother. On the surface, watching this team, spectators witnessed skilled players playing the game of hockey. Behind the scenes, the team was a great group of young men that rallied behind their teammate, Aurand, whom they deemed their leader, to show their support through love of hockey and friendship.

The event also featured an Honorary Puck Drop, where a children and young adults were honored with their friends and family in attendance, and got to drop pucks before the start of the game. After each puck drop, the child took a picture with each team captain.

For more information on Pucks for Autism, visit www.pucksforautism.com.

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Team Show MI, one of the teams that took part in the recent Pucks for Autism event. Front row, from left: Alyx Fonseca and Sherman Mowery; second row: Tyler Layle, Mike Lozicki, Alex Birkman, Jacob Mofield, Kody Polin, Cam Dimmitt, Cody Walsh and Cameron Morris; back row: Brendan Aurand, Walker Aurand, Pat Modaff, Tyler Ploeg and Luke McCarthy. Courtesy of Sigler Photographics
Seven-year-old Henry Pfeiffer, after taking part in the Honorary Puck Drop, between team captains Joe Fuentes of Team Conquest, left, and Walker Aurand of Team Show MI. Courtesy of Sigler Photographics
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