About The New York Raptors
Introducing the New York Raptors
The New York Raptors is a special ice hockey program designed to bring the thrill of hockey to players of all abilities. Special hockey is a unique program open to children and adults with developmental and other disabilities who are unable or ineligible to participate in other organized hockey programs due to their disabilities. The players’ disabilities do not affect their ability to play good hockey and have a great time. The enthusiasm and dedication of these players and their coaches are without equal.
The NY Raptors are extremely grateful to the dedicated volunteers – senior coaches and high school students from local hockey
teams – who join them for practice sessions and games. The team has hosted Thanksgiving tournaments, games and travelled to several other tournaments throughout the years.
The Raptors are one of over 100 US teams affiliated with ASHA, the American Special Hockey Association (SpecialHockey.org).
The team skates at the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford Sunday afternoons in the fall and winter.
The NY Raptors began in 1996, when Mike Dwyer, then the British Consul in New York, moved to Larchmont from Toronto where his son had been playing on a special hockey team, the Toronto Grand Ravine Tornadoes. There were no organized league sports for children with disabilities in the area, so Mike decided to start one. With a little help from area parents, the press, and the local BOCES office, Mike made history. The Dwyer family relocated to England in 2001 where Mike, indefatigable, started the London Werewolves Special Hockey team – a first in England.
The current team has grown under the leadership of committed families and coaches and is currently led by Anita Inz (President), Steve Grossman (Head Coach and Vice President) and Michael Safran, M.D. (Secretary, Treasurer and Medical Advisor).
Coach Steve has a wonderful team of coaches working with him.
The team is classified as a 501(c)(3) charity. Our Tax ID (EIN) is 13-3932107.