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Chicago Steel join Marklund residents for a bit of hockey fun

Posted April 04, 2024 8:57 pm

By Dawn Lassiter-Brueske, Marklund

Chicago Steel player Tobias Ohman celebrates with his new buddy, Marklund resident Mike K., during a special floor hockey game played at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva on Tuesday, April 2. The team volunteered to play the indoor game with residents as a special volunteer month activity. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Members of the Chicago Steel hockey team enjoyed time off the ice Tuesday, April 2, when they visited residents of Marklund’s Hyde Center campus in Geneva, and played a rousing game of Marklund-style hockey.

Marklund is a nonprofit organization that provides residential, therapeutic and educational services to those with serious and profound developmental disabilities.

Chicago Steel goaltender Quentin Sigurdson gives Scott a helping hand during the April 2 floor hockey game at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

During this special volunteer activity, the professional hockey players paired up with residents, all of whom were in wheelchairs, and played indoor hockey with plastic hockey sticks and foam pucks.

Guided by Marklund’s recreational therapist Wes Kochan, the team learned the process of properly assisting the residents while getting to know them.

Chicago Steel forward Michael Emerson lets out a cheer during the floor hockey game at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Even with the competition heating up, everyone had a blast.

The team also presented Marklund with 100 teddy bears and other stuffed animals which they gathered from the team’s recent “Teddy Bear Toss” donation activity held at a home game.

“We love it when groups like the Chicago Steel visit Marklund to meet some new friends and learn about our organization,” said Nikki Osterloh, manager of volunteer engagement. “This was especially special since this month we are celebrating National Volunteer Month — and we appreciated that they came out to volunteer on one of their days off!”

Chicago Steel defenseman Thor Byfuglien gives Rosie an assist during the floor hockey game at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva April 2. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Marklund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs.

It has three residential locations: Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin.

For information, visit www.marklund.org or facebook.com/MarklundCharity/.

Jesus gets an assist from a Chicago Steel goaltender Louka Cloutier during a special floor hockey game played at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva April 2. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Chicago Steel forward Grayden Slipec gives Kit some help with the hockey stick during a special floor hockey game at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva April 2. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Chicago Steel forward Anthony Cardilli and George F. prepare to get in the action at the special floor hockey game at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva April 2. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Marklund residents and the Chicago Steel players get ready for floor hockey action at Marklund’s Hyde Center in Geneva April 2. Courtesy of Sam Payton

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