Established in 2019, the New England Bombers are a new team affiliated with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) serving the communities of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and beyond. We are devoted to helping children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities a chance to play hockey! The Bombers are here to break down barriers. We see the ability in these children, and we will jump over any hurdle we face to get them out there on the ice no matter what it takes.

Our Mission.

The goal of our team is to give all children and young adults a chance to play the sport of ice hockey at their own pace and level of ability in a safe environment. We will work with each individual closely to find the best way to get them onto the ice safely and comfortably. Joining us will give your child or young adult the opportunity to be part of a team. They will make new friendships and work together with their teammates, they will learn how to skate, sled, slide or roll on the ice. They will learn sportsmanship skills, how to score goals, how to hold a stick and how to play hockey. We are a non-competitive team complete with a wide range on different skill sets, so we will work with whatever level your child is at and help them grow!

Our Story.

Johnny Minahan, Daniele Crutcher and Melly Brown first met when Melly’s son Silas started going to Project Walk Boston for therapy. We all had an instant connection and a common interest in wanting to do something bigger for kids with special needs. Our dream finally came to light when Melly and Silas attended an event and met the Executive Director of the American Special Hockey Association, Jen O’Brien! Our head coaches Johnny and Daniele couldn't be more fit for the position. Both work five days a week helping individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries, brain Injuries, and a host of other disabilities. In the past three years they have helped grow the Pediatric program at Project Walk to where it is today. Outside of work, both Daniele and Johnny play in local hockey pick-up leagues, so of course they have a passion for the sport as well! Melly is a stay at home Mom to Silas who has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. She enjoys advocating for her son and other kids with special needs by sharing Silas' story on social media, along with blogging about their favorite adaptive equipment and special needs products that have helped them. Silas has been involved in many different challengers leagues and sports programs, but hockey has always been a sport they have wished Silas could be a part of. Meeting Jen and learning about Special Hockey gave their family hope they'd be able to see Silas on the ice. We are thrilled to be able to bring this program to Southern NH and welcome kids from New England to take part.