On Saturday, January 11, the West Haven boys hockey team will host East Haven co-op at 1 p.m. While the contest is always an intense rivalry, the day is special for another reason.
The team is planning a day for Sammy Hotchkiss, who has cerebral palsy, for all his support to the team as team manager. The team is wearing camo jerseys with a green ribbon for cerebral palsy.
Sammy’s love for hockey began when he was a toddler as he spent the weekends cheering on his brother Cameron.
Sammy’s father, George, allowed Sammy in the locker room at the age of eight, where Sammy gave short speeches to rally the team. Sammy then moved to the bench with his father during alumni games and spring hockey games.
A few short years ago, Sammy joined the West Haven Youth Hockey Bantam A staff with coaches Andy Cafiero, Kevin Blake, and Callan McKeon. Once the high school season begins, Sammy transfers his role to the high school team.
In his third year with the high school team, Sammy is wearing the “A” for assistant captain on his jersey.
The special day on Saturday will feature Sammy doing a ceremonial puck drop, while the high school bomb squad will honor Sammy with fat heads as part of the celebration.
Well deserved for Sammy……The Hotchkiss family has always been associated with “Westie Hockey”.
you did great sam