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Kevin Brown is Fundraising for Team USA Blind Hockey

Team USA Blind Hockey

United States
Ice hockey
Usahockeylogo_square
  • Chesrow_card_small Anthony Chesrow $216
  • Steinecke_card_small Blake Steinecke $625
  • Vanturini_card_small Christine Vanturini $477
  • Fitzpatrick_card Craig Fitzpatrick $127
  • Belding_card_small Daniel Belding $50
  • Logo Dave Svac - Asst. Coach $0
  • Morgan_card_small Dirk Morgan $27
  • Img_0736 Doris Donley - GM Team Operations $20
  • Goist_card_small Doug Goist $0
  • Essling_headshot Ian Essling - Staff $0
  • Guzik_card_small John Guzik $1,086
  • Haley_card_small Keith Haley $2,166
  • Logo Kevin Allison - Asst. Coach $0
  • Brown_card_small Kevin Brown $100
  • Shanley_card_small Kevin Shanley $272
  • Kline_headshot Kline Donley - Asst. Coach $200
  • Miller_luke_card_small Luke Miller $0
  • Logo Malisa Komalarajun - Staff $11
  • Deflorio_card_small Mark DeFlorio $100
  • Miller_matt_card_small Matthew Miller $0
  • Straub_card_small Mike Straub $20
  • Logo Mike Svac - Head Coach/GM Hockey Operations $0
  • Logo Nick Albicocco - Asst. Coach $0
  • Kane_card_small Tim Kane $0
  • Mcdermott_card_small Victoria Vanturini-McDermott $544
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How has life with hockey led you to Team USA? 

“I have been legally blind since the age of 7, due to cone/rod dystrophy, a degenerative genetic eye disorder.  Now 46, my disease has progressed leaving me blind, with simply light perceptions and what I like to define as a kaleidoscope of shadows.  Although I am physically blind, I see life clearly.  Life is full of challenges and new obstacles to overcome for all of us. My philosophy is that I am not afraid to fail, I am afraid not to try!  So each day, I awake to new opportunities to explore and challenges to overcome / try.”

“I’ve been a member of the United States Association of Blind Athletes, competed in some things over time. So I’ve stayed current on different things in that area. I saw a communication about a try blind hockey event in Washington D.C. Could have been anywhere in the country, but it was 4 miles from my house. First night, we’re just going to skate around a bit and try that. Granted, I can’t see my feet anymore, it’s just a kaleidoscope of shadows. So, I played with the blind puck a bit; there were lots of people there, 50 plus people, and it inspired me. It reminded me the importance of don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try. I have to make sure I maintain that philosophy. I went there and had a good time, because it was exciting, weird, different. I talked to Matt Morrow who was there, and he told me to come back the next day and join the Washington Wheelers. I showed up the next day at 6 am and I haven’t quit since. It has been an absolute exhilaration. I came to every practice I could make ever since. Members of my community have been helping out, they said, alright, we’ll rotate – because everyone wanted to make sure I could make practice at 6 am. Really a community-based activity, and this was from players and their families that I had coached, wanting to help out Coach Brown.”

 

What does Blind Hockey mean to you?

“It means motivation, it means inspiration. Adrenaline. I thought I got rid of adrenaline when I was a kid but it’s great! It gives me something to look forward to, it’s just pure excitement. It gives me this opportunity to continue to try, to compete at that high level – it’s something to strive for, to be more effective as a player, because it impacts the team. It creates that motivation to become better not for myself, but for the team. I don’t want to let my teammates down – and as long as I give them 100%, that’s all I can ask. And whether that’s a result on the ice, or in the locker room, or picking someone up who had some confidence issues.  It reminds me that there are challenges, but hockey has become a reminder of perseverance. Obstacles are just new challenges to overcome.”

 

 

What does being a member of Team USA mean to you?

“I’ve been a member of Team USA in other sports before, but for me, this time it is different, because I feel like I have a different role. I see this in a different way than I see in the past. I see the youth, I see the excitement, but I also see an opportunity to not necessarily be a leader on the ice, but to identify areas to succeed on and off the ice. I see a different kind of opportunity than I saw before; before was simply the sport, but now I see more of the broader opportunity."

"Being the first Team USA Blind Hockey team, that’s exciting. The first time being on the ice, to be part of that starting lineup, probably meant more to me that carrying the Olympic torch. And I don’t know why, because that was a pretty special experience, but to be on the ice at 46 years old and to overcome some of the challenges and develop these new relationships is amazing. One of the differences is I had an opportunity for my kids to see it. So I have maybe a greater respect for what it takes than when I was younger. When you’re younger, you think you’re invincible. Now I know I’m pretty ‘vincible.’ It’s all just awe-inspiring. I look at it as another story to use to let other people know they can overcome. Whether you are a member of the national team or just learning to skate across the ice the first time, it’s the journey that’s important.”

 

Who is your favorite team or favorite player?

“Dominik Hasek, goalie for the Sabres. As far as a team, I always liked the Detroit Red Wings, the Penguins, and the Capitals. So, I’ve had a pretty good run.”

 

Who is your hockey hero in your life?

"My wife, Eileen, sons, Jack and Henry, and parents, Herb and Lea, are the foundation of my success, support and inspiration. The Washington Wheelers as well – the collective group. There’s been a rotation What’s inspired me is the support of the community here from the Washington Wheelers. Every single person has had a role in shaping my growth, excitement, and opportunity. I would definitely say Coach Nick Albicocco is a big part of it; we share a lot in common, kind of a fun connection as he went to the same elementary school as my wife. Everyone who is involved is engaged. We do some adaptive skating here; we have some kids with disabilities or blindness who come out to skate and just watching that enjoyment for them, to see how their goal is to be on the national team. What do we have to do to get there? They inspire me, through their perseverance. I’m inspired more by them than anyone in the NHL. It makes me want it more.”

 

 




 

 

 


Help Support USA Blind Hockey's Incredible Inaugural Year!

We are extremely excited that the inaugural year of Team USA Blind Hockey Team has been so successful already! In just a few short months, Team USA has gone from tryouts in April, to a training camp in July, to the FIRST-EVER international competition in October. This tremendous growth wouldn't be possible without out an amazing level of support from our fans, friends and family! 

The first-ever games of international blind hockey were played in Pittsburgh in October, as Team USA took on Canada in a 3 game series - check out some of the game action here: International Series Game 2


As we continue to build up the sport of blind hockey in the United States, We need YOUR help to reach our fundraising goal for operating expenses for this first ever team. Our players and coaches have been putting it all on the ice to build this team so quickly, and after one series versus Canada, they are hungry to do battle again. This time, we'll be taking our talents north, as Team USA heads to Canada for the next international competition.

You can help us claim that glory! Your support will give these blind hockey athletes the opportunity to participate and compete in these events. All donations will go directly to the team to help with player transportation, equipment, custom blind hockey pucks, and all the other costs of starting a brand-new team. Let’s help these athletes flourish, and show them that they have our support.


The sport of blind hockey has tripled in size since when it was first implemented at the USA Hockey Disabled Festival in 2016. With your contribution we can help continue to grow the sport of blind hockey across this great nation and as well the world! Blind hockey has shown tremendous momentum in all different parts of the country and we’re incredibly proud of our first Team USA for blind hockey.

Thank you in advance for your support! 

 


 

Follow Team USA on Social Media:

Facebook @USABlindHockey

Twitter @USABlindHockey

Instagram @USABlindHockey

Learn More About Blind Hockey:

Blind Hockey Summit in Cranberry to feature first international series 
What it's like to be a blind hockey goalie 

What Is Blind Hockey? @ USAHockey.com

Growth of Blind Hockey Demonstrated at Disabled Hockey Festival 

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Rally Roster

Groups and individuals raising money for the same goal.

Name Location Boosts Raised
Chesrow_card_small Anthony Chesrow United States 4 $216
Steinecke_card_small Blake Steinecke United States 3 $625
Vanturini_card_small Christine Vanturini United States 7 $477
Fitzpatrick_card Craig Fitzpatrick United States 3 $127
Belding_card_small Daniel Belding United States 2 $50
Logo Dave Svac - Asst. Coach United States 0 $0
Morgan_card_small Dirk Morgan United States 1 $27
Img_0736 Doris Donley - GM Team Operations United States 1 $20
Goist_card_small Doug Goist United States 0 $0
Essling_headshot Ian Essling - Staff United States 0 $0
Guzik_card_small John Guzik United States 1 $1,086
Haley_card_small Keith Haley United States 20 $2,166
Logo Kevin Allison - Asst. Coach United States 0 $0
Brown_card_small Kevin Brown United States 1 $100
Shanley_card_small Kevin Shanley United States 3 $272
Kline_headshot Kline Donley - Asst. Coach United States 1 $200
Miller_luke_card_small Luke Miller United States 0 $0
Logo Malisa Komalarajun - Staff Chicago, IL, USA 1 $11
Deflorio_card_small Mark DeFlorio United States 1 $100
Miller_matt_card_small Matthew Miller United States 0 $0
Straub_card_small Mike Straub United States 1 $20
Logo Mike Svac - Head Coach/GM Hockey Operations United States 0 $0
Logo Nick Albicocco - Asst. Coach United States 0 $0
Kane_card_small Tim Kane United States 0 $0
Mcdermott_card_small Victoria Vanturini-McDermott United States 10 $544

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Comments

Name Comment Date
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Knights of Columbus Co #99 Fitchburg Good Luck Brother Keith and Team USA!! February 13
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 The Larkum Clan All the best to you and Team USA!! February 10
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Margaret Cunningham Yo Hollywood..... I am SO proud of you ! February 10
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Bob and Bonnie Sudell Go Braillers! Go Team USA Blind Hockey! January 23, 2019
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Carol LeBlanc Good luck, Keith!! 😀❤️ January 19, 2019
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Susan LeBlanc Go Keith! January 19, 2019
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 James Yuschik $5000 breaker January 14, 2019
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Joan noyes Good luck to all the players. Joan December 22, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anonymous from your Houston HOCKEY HAPPY family & paying forward :-) December 22, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 TJ Perreault Go Team USA! December 17, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Diane Belliveau Go Team USA Blind Hockey! December 16, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Jim and Mary Ann Hubert Wishing the team a fun and successful game! Safe travel! December 15, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Aruna McDermott Go Vicki & Chris! November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Mike Ryan Keep up the good work Blake! November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Fran & Jean Wrage Blake, you are awesome. We are so proud of you. Grandpa & Grandma November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Holiday Go get 'Em Big Boy!! November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Four Fifty Grille Go for Gold Team USA!!! November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Michael & Tricia Good luck Anthony. November 28, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Dorothy Vanturini Will always be proud of you. Love, Mom November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Dorothy Vanturini Will always be proud of you. Love, Mom November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anonymous Go Team USA November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Grandma Kammer Love you :) November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Grandma Kammer Love you :) November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anthony T Vanturini Keep up the good work. Always proud, always by your side. Good luck. Dad November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anthony T Vanturini Keep up the good work. Always by your side. Good luck. Dad November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Aidan McDermott Love you! November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anonymous Love your passion and effort! November 27, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Chicago Blackhawks Special Hockey Coach Go Coach Malisa Go! November 26, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Tom Shanley Good Luck to you Kevin and Team USA!!! November 26, 2018
Rallyme-badge-grey-180 Anonymous Go USA!!! November 26, 2018
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Boosters

Name Comment Date
Rallyme-badge-grey-180
Curt and Monti Board
December 2, 2018
Contribute
$100
$100
Raised
Goal: $35,000
1
Booster
37
Days Left
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