March 10, 2010 was a historical day for the Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. Staff, students and patrons were on hand for the official grand opening of the Chicago Wolves School Library. The festivities featured many personalities from the Wolves, former players Bob Nardella, Steve Martins, and the mascot Skates. The students assisted the players on cutting the ribbon to officially open the library. Then they were entertained with the players reading wonderful stories of books from the library. The Chicago Wolves School Library is a huge success and can be an essential learning tool for the students at the Therapeutic School.

Two days later, I had the opportunity to attend a Chicago Wolves game with some of my other co-workers at the Therapeutic School. What was the most special about the evening was that I had the opportunity to drop the ceremonial puck in front of thousands of spectators. I had to admit that it gave me goose bumps at first because I never had the opportunity of playing an important role in the game of hockey or any other major sporting event. When the public address announcer announced my name, I slowly walked on the red carpet as I heard a pin drop. A few seconds later, the crowd gave me a standing ovation as I successfully dropped the puck firmly onto the ice. I received applause from the players and the crowd, which was absolutely the best feeling in the world. Now I know how Jamie Smith felt when he threw the ceremonial first pitch at the White Sox game!

Unfortunately for the Wolves, they lost the game 3-0, but it was a good game until the very end. After the game, I had the opportunity to wait outside the locker room and meet the players and get some of their autographs. In the end, I received a cool gift, which is the actual hockey stick Noah Welch uses in his games. That was the most surreal moment in my life indeed!

I had to admit it was the first hockey game I experienced in person, but I absolutely love watching the game of hockey on television, as I am a fan of both the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wolves. This was absolutely a great experience for me and I had a great time dropping the puck in front of thousands of people. I would like to thank the Chicago Wolves for their continual support to Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago! I hope they will continue to be involved in Easter Seals services for many years to come!

Maurice Snell