AMHERST, N.Y. — Hockey players from around the world made a special visit Friday to Saint Mary's School for the Deaf, to remind kids of what those who are deaf and hard of hearing can accomplish.
The Jeff Sauer International Deaf Hockey Series is happening this week at the Northtown Center in Amherst, with teams from the Czech Republic, Finland, Canada, and the United States participating.
The tournament started Thursday and runs through Sunday.
"Its very inspiring. It's really cool to see a bunch of young kids who want to play hockey, and want to learn the sport that I love and, I hope they enjoy it and come to love it as well," Team USA captain Jessica Goldberg said.
Jim Carmody, the school's athletic director, welcomed the international athletes for Friday's event.
"It's a great, awesome opportunity for our kids to mix with adult deaf athletes that are successful at a high level," Carmody said.
Organizers said the play on the ice is like any other hockey game with only a few differences.
"You're not seeing anything different, other than when the whistle blows is lights flashing around the rink to indicate players have started to play," Kevin Delaney, president of the Makita Hockey School for the Deaf, told 2 On Your Side.
"Their interpreters on the bench to communicate between the players and the coaches, and it's a little bit more quiet. There's no yelling or screaming from stands, but it's regular hockey. Nothing's really changed. Really exciting."
The tournament began at 1 p.m. Thursday with the U.S. women taking on Canada.
You can buy tickets at the door or online by clicking on this link.