MEET  THE CONDORS !
Benjamin began playing hockey about thirteen years ago in Toronto, first, as a member of the first special needs ice hockey team, the Grandravine Tornadoes, and then, the Gladiators.  Alas, there was no opportunity to play hockey when he moved to L.A in 2001.  Now, thanks to Valley Ice Center’s program,  he can play every Sunday.  

Benjamin

Michael

Daniel

Christopher

Joshua

Ryan

Aaron

Chris

Margueritte
Class Assistants

Meher
Brandon has waited all his
life for the opportunity to play ice hockey. He  joined the Condors about 1-1/2 (or was it 2?) years ago as a non-skater, but his coach says he's a"natural born player". Brandon takes a lead role as scorer and is the teams "hat-trick" specialist.

Dillon joined his brother Brandon on the ic2  years ago. Despite his physical challenges, Dillon's absolute enthusiasm  for hockey helped him accelerate in abilities beyond others expectations. As for being one of the smallest players on the Condors, that doesn't scare Dillon one bit!!!

Born and raised in Chicago Chris's passion for hockey came from the great Blackhawk teams from the early 70's.  Chris taught his son Will how to skate and play hockey and has coached youth roller hockey for over 10 years.

Will is tough. He is a born fighter.  He has overcome being born prematurely, arresting at 6 months of age with resulting left side cerebral palsy and 10 major surgeries. He's a leader, loves heavy metal and is a huge Ducks fan.
Tim  was born with severe gravitional insecurities and was not able to even get on a skateboard or rollerskates.  But his passion for ice hockey began while watching the "Mighty Ducks" movies. This helped him to overcome his insecurities along with his patient coaches helped Tim achieve his goal.  Tim's loves to cheer for everyone's goals, whether by his team or the opposing team!
       OUR AMAZING SPECIAL NEEDS STAFF
COACH
Dave  Serianne
  TEAM LEADER
Rita Eagle
H.E.L.P PROGRAM
Mary  Ann Maskry
Rita Eagle, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in developmental disabilities. She watched her son and other kids and adults with special needs play hockey for four years in Toronto and joined them on many road-trips to play with other teams. She saw how hockey provides them with  a unique opportunity to learn and practice new skills, coordination, focus, balance, team work, camaraderie and sportsmanship, all while having fun.  Rita spent almost five years trying to get a special needs hockey program going in California.  Thanks to the generosity of the Valley Ice Center, which provides the coaching and ice time every Sunday, her dream has become a reality.
Roger Cheng
Mitch Berger
Alex Hoffman
Ronda Kalan
Duke Fishman
Jake  Fishman
Brandon
Will
Dillon
Tim

Don

Chris

Avi

Gavin

Carlos

Andrew

Timothy
Whether on or off of the ice, autism does not stop Christopher, which in Greek means the bearer of Christ. He is a new addition to the Condors Special Needs Team. Chris brings six years of floor hockey experience from Westside Special Olympics as well.  The playing environment is chilly, but the determination and strength will be the same. Chris is happy to be a team player and will do the best he can for this  team of diversity, diligence, fierceness, love and pride.  Go Condors!

  Coming from a figure skating background since age 3, Ronda finally saw the light and turned in her figure skates for the fun kind---hockey!  She is a special education teacher and is proud to volunteer for the California Condors Special Hockey team.

Avi developed his love for ice hockey as a child when he took ice skating lessons and started watching ice hockey.   When asked what number he wanted on the team, he choose 99 in honor of Wayne Gretzky, whom he personally met. He was very excited when the Condor team was formed. He now has  a group of friends to play with and is devoted to Sundays with his team   Avi is the eldest member of the Condos.