'It’s like family': London hockey league for individuals with learning needs still going strong

Since 1968, the George Bray Hockey League has provided a safe space for individuals with special learning needs to play hockey.

“Honestly, it's like family,” said Branden Nicholson, 25, a player in the senior division with a dual diagnosis of ADHD and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

“I've been doing this since I was about 10 years old.”

The league is a place where families like the Miller family can feel a sense of belonging.

“I witnessed an eight-year-old boy get invited to his very first birthday party,” said Jessica Ashton (Miller).

“I've seen parents crying, watching their kids play because we finally belong and they fit in, and they're being accepted. As dramatic as this may seem to a lot of people, as a special needs parent, it's pretty much the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.”

Scott Miller (left) poses for a photo with his son Ashton and wife Jessica at the George Bray Sports Association Skate-A-Thon in London, Ont. on Dec. 14, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV London)

Her son, Ashton Miller, is autistic.

“The thing I like about hockey is my friends and our friendship,” said Miller.

“That's all that matters. As long as you're nice, everyone will like you.”

This weekend, the George Bray Sports Association (GBSA) held its annual Skate-A-Thon.

“I’m excited because Carlton and Santa are coming today,” said player Henry Coackley.

The GBSA brought in Carlton, the mascot of the Toronto Maple Leafs, to skate and sign autographs. They also had Santa Claus skating with the kids. Each participant raised money by skating laps.

Carlton, mascot of the Toronto Maple Leafs, plays rock paper scissors with a player in the George Bray Hockey League during the association’s Skate-A-Thon in London, Ont. on Dec. 14, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV London)

“I'm a fast skater, so today I skated 80 laps,” said player Eric Innes.

The GBSA is a volunteer-based organization. President Murray Howard has been with the league for 50 years.

“These parents don't have a lot of opportunities for stuff like this,” said Howard.

“To know that they can get their kids in a team sport and the life skills they pick up during playing a game is amazing.”

Players in the George Bray Hockey League pose for a photo during the association’s Skate-A-Thon in London, Ont. on Dec. 14, 2024 (Brent Lale/CTV London)

Coach Stephen Couture has been on the ice with all different levels for 30 years.

“It's all about the kids and making sure that they have fun,” said Couture.

“If they can’t have fun, I didn't do my job.”

Every Saturday, players ranging from ages six to 50 take the ice.

“I think people will be shocked because it is really good hockey,” said Darren Hines, whose son, Brogan, plays in the intermediate division.

Darren Hines (left) is a parent and coach in the George Bray Hockey League while his son, Brogan, plays in the intermediate division (Brent Lale/CTV London)

“My other son plays and has played rep level hockey, so I see lots of hockey and these guys are good. It's fun to watch their close games. They do a great job of keeping the teams as even as they possibly can and it’s equal ice time, and it’s really exciting. All these kids love the game.”