The Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Tournament Returns June 7-9, Event to Showcase Adult Adaptive Hockey Teams from Across the Nation
(PHOENIX – May 24, 2024) – The Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Tournament is back to excite the Valley from June 7-9 as American Special Hockey Association teams and players from across the nation convene in Arizona to celebrate hockey, amplify adaptive sports, and hit the ice to showcase their skills in two days of play.
The tournament’s opening ceremonies will be held at Bellair Golf Park in Glendale, Ariz. on Friday, June 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. where the participating teams will be welcomed to the Valley. A food truck will also be on-site.
The tournament is free and open to the community with games beginning at 8 a.m. at AZ Ice Peoria on Saturday, June 8 and concluding at 6 p.m. with a dinner and a dance party in the evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Teams will take the ice at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 9 for the championship game and a following medal and banner ceremony for the teams until 1 p.m.
While games are taking place inside the rink, ball hockey and other activities will be hosted outside by local organization’s Mikey’s League and Special Olympics Arizona. These activities will help the community explore adaptive sports and the resources available through local organization.
The Arizona Cactus Cup Hockey Tournament is hosted by One Step Beyond, Inc., a Phoenix-based nonprofit with locations across the Valley providing programs and services for adults with disabilities, including recreational opportunities like the One Step Coyotes, an adaptive hockey team in Arizona that will be playing in the tournament.
“Now is the time to celebrate hockey right here in Arizona, so whether you are a longtime fan or new to the sport, come out to see these teams in action and support their participation in the sport in any way you can,” says Jared Woosley, director of special programs for One Step Beyond, Inc. “The One Step Coyotes and One Step Sharks adaptive hockey teams are eagerly awaiting the chance to represent One Step Beyond at the Arizona Cactus Cup and connect through the love of sport–that’s what this event is all about.”
For more information, visit www.specialhockey.org.
WHAT: The Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Tournament
WHERE: AZ Ice Peoria
15829 N 83rd Ave, Peoria, AZ 85382
WHEN: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8
ABOUT ONE STEP BEYOND, INC.
Phoenix-based One Step Beyond, Inc. (OSBI) is a private, non-profit organization that provides comprehensive programming and services for adults who have intellectual disabilities. One Step Beyond empowers its members to achieve independence, self-sufficiency and employment through innovative culinary, education, fitness and arts programs as well as strategic partnerships with local businesses that enable participants to contribute to and achieve greater social participation in their communities. One Step Beyond has five locations in the Phoenix Metro area, including Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale and Surprise as well as a location in San Carlos, California. For more information about One Step Beyond programs and services visit https://osbi.org/.
