Montreal Coach Opens Hockey to Kids With Autism at 67

When a Montreal mother called Vinnie Matteo saying she couldn't find a hockey program for her autistic son, the 67-year-old coach gave his classic response: come to the rink, we'll figure it out.

That conversation in 2022 sparked Avalanche Kidz, a program that now welcomes people with autism and other special needs to play hockey every Sunday morning. Matteo, a longtime hockey coach and trainer, never planned to add another program to his already busy schedule, but he couldn't say no.

The mother knew loads of parents in the same situation, desperate to find their kids a place to play. From that day on, Avalanche Kidz was born.

Matteo refuses to call participants "special needs kids." To him, they're just kids learning to skate like thousands of others he's taught over the years.

The program faces unique challenges that go beyond teaching skating skills. The noise of a buzzing rink can unsettle some participants, and even putting on a helmet might feel overwhelming at first.

But Matteo and his team of volunteers, including his daughter Linda, work to build trust with families week by week. He tells parents they're creating a safe environment where kids can get comfortable at their own pace.

The biggest hurdle isn't on the ice at all. It's helping parents trust that their child can succeed in a space where so many everyday things present obstacles.

Matteo even recruits his elite hockey students to volunteer, telling them he expects them to give their time. He's teaching everyone that lending a hand makes for a better world.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond learning to skate. Kids who join Avalanche Kidz suddenly feel part of a team and a community, experiencing something their parents worried might never happen.

Parents find an entire support network of families who understand their daily struggles. They can finally say "my kid plays hockey too" and mean it.

The program participants sometimes return the favor, helping Coach Vinnie when he can't figure out how his phone works. Teaching flows both ways on Sunday mornings.

Matteo's work earned him a spot as a finalist for the NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award this year. But he's already thinking about what comes next, joking that he might start a program for parents after seeing them skate at the year-end party.

At 67, Matteo shows no signs of slowing down, proving that building an inclusive community is work that never really finishes.