South hockey lends a hand to SABAH

Justin DiPasquale of Williamsville South's Federation hockey team, left, works with SABAH skater Stephen Ballow during a South practice on Monday at the Amherst Pepsi Center's NHL No. 2 Rink. Ballow skates at the Pepsi Center on Sundays with SABAH.

Part of Williamsville South's Federation hockey practice on Monday at the Amherst Pepsi Center NHL No. 2 Rink was dedicated to helping others.

The Billies set aside 50 minutes of practice to work with 15 skaters from SABAH (Skating Athletes Bold at Heart).

The SABAH skaters ranged in age from 9 to 62 and learned basic hockey skills. SABAH skaters were also paired up with South players to work on skating.

SABAH Executive Director Sheila O'Brien said they worked with Nichols' hockey team in the past but on a limited basis. South is the first Federation hockey team to work with SABAH.

"We're trying to expand the program," said O'Brien. "The skaters get to a certain point where they are pretty good skaters and we want to offer them another opportunity. We thought it would be the perfect mix working with local high school teams."

"It gives us our kids a chance to give back," added South coach Sean Green.

O'Brien wants to expand SABAH's involvement with hockey, possibly creating a league in the future for people with special needs.