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Greyhounds and Guardians Team Up for Charity Game
Annual event brings together Soo Greyhounds players and Special Olympic athletes for a rewarding experience.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Soo Greyhounds hockey team is hosting its second annual Greyhounds Guardians game, a charity event that pairs Greyhounds players with local Special Olympic athletes for a fun game at the GFL Memorial Gardens. The program, started last season, has quickly grown into one of the team's favorite weekly activities, providing a rewarding experience for both the players and the Guardians.
Why it matters
The Greyhounds Guardians game is an opportunity for the team to give back to the local community and provide a unique experience for Special Olympic athletes who may not otherwise have the chance to play on the same ice as professional hockey players. It also serves as a reminder to the Greyhounds players of how fortunate they are and allows them to simply enjoy the game they love with new friends.
The details
The game rosters will feature a mix of Greyhounds players and Special Olympic athletes, creating a typical OHL game atmosphere. The program was started last season after Greyhounds head coach John Dean had a rewarding experience volunteering with a similar program in Toronto. With the help of local teacher Scott MacDonald and Joann Harman of the Special Olympics, the Sault Ste. Marie program quickly grew in popularity.
- The Greyhounds Guardians game will take place on Sunday, February 27, 2026.
- The program started last season and has become a weekly activity for the Greyhounds team.
The players
John Dean
Soo Greyhounds head coach who brought the Greyhounds Guardians program to Sault Ste. Marie after a rewarding experience with a similar program in Toronto.
Scott MacDonald
Local teacher who helped get the Greyhounds Guardians program started in Sault Ste. Marie.
Joann Harman
Representative from the Special Olympics who worked with the Greyhounds to establish the Greyhounds Guardians program.
What they’re saying
“A few years ago, I volunteered to run a similar style skate in Toronto when I was home for Christmas. I had such a great time. It was such a rewarding experience that I thought it was a really good opportunity to bring a similar program to Sault Ste. Marie.”
— John Dean, Soo Greyhounds Head Coach (sootoday.com)
“When we get an opportunity to put a smile on a face, teach the game we love to those who don't have the same opportunities as us, just to give back to the community that's been so good to me, it's been a ton of fun.”
— John Dean, Soo Greyhounds Head Coach (sootoday.com)
What’s next
The second annual Greyhounds Guardians game will take place on Sunday, February 27, 2026 at the GFL Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie.
The takeaway
The Greyhounds Guardians program is a heartwarming example of a professional sports team using its platform to provide a unique and rewarding experience for members of the local community who may not otherwise have the chance to play the game they love alongside talented athletes.
