York Polar Bears Spring Classic Promotes Inclusive Hockey

Annual tournament raises funds to make the sport accessible for athletes of all abilities.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink fragmented into overlapping planes of navy, red, and yellow, conveying the energy and community of the inclusive York Polar Bears tournament.The York Polar Bears Spring Classic tournament celebrates the inclusive spirit of hockey, breaking down barriers and bringing the community together through the shared joy of the sport.York Today

The 2nd annual York Polar Bears Spring Classic, a three-on-three hockey tournament, raised money to support the York Polar Bears, a special needs ice hockey team. The event provided opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels to play the sport, fostering a sense of community and pride. Organizers noted that the funds help offset the high costs of ice time, equipment, and travel, making hockey more accessible for families.

Why it matters

The York Polar Bears program aims to make hockey inclusive and available to athletes with special needs, who may not otherwise have the chance to play the sport. By hosting this annual tournament, the organization is able to generate critical funding to sustain the team and expand its reach within the community.

The details

The York Polar Bears Spring Classic is a three-on-three hockey tournament that serves as a fundraiser for the York Polar Bears, a special needs ice hockey team. The event brings together players of all ages and skill levels, offering them the opportunity to compete and enjoy the sport. Funds raised from the tournament help cover the high costs associated with the sport, such as ice time, equipment, and travel expenses, making it more accessible for families.

  • The 2nd annual York Polar Bears Spring Classic took place in April 2026.
  • The York Polar Bears program has grown from 8 players to 30 over the past 10 years, with a long waiting list.

The players

York Polar Bears

A special needs ice hockey team based in south central Pennsylvania that provides opportunities for athletes of all abilities to play the sport.

Andrew Rafferty

A tournament participant who believes that playing hockey for a good cause makes the experience even better.

Bryson Long

A goalie for the York Polar Bears who appreciates the sense of community and pride that comes with playing on the team.

Dianne Newman

The mother of a player, Matt, who is autistic and has found opportunities through the York Polar Bears program that he might not have otherwise.

Richard Mack

The coach of the York Polar Bears, who has seen the team grow from 8 players to 30 over the past 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“Playing hockey is awesome, and if you get to play and it goes towards a good cause, I mean even better.”

— Andrew Rafferty

“It's incredible, everyone's cheering for you and you feel a sense of pride in it. I'm glad to see that there's a massive community for the sport and I'm just happy to play with everyone.”

— Bryson Long, Goalie

“Hockey fans are a different breed. They love the game and they'll support anybody playing. Not all sports do that.”

— Dianne Newman, Mother of a player

“Matt is autistic [and he] tends to skate more than he plays, but he loves it. There's so many things he can't do that this allows, hockey with the full gear, pucks, sticks, the whole thing. It's just amazing.”

— Dianne Newman, Mother of a player

“The more people that can get involved, the more teams that can get involved — that means more donations, more raffle baskets, more prizes. Each team pays a fee to get into the tournament, and that goes to the Polar Bears as well. They help us out tremendously, and we appreciate everything.”

— Richard Mack, Coach

What’s next

The York Polar Bears are hoping to continue growing their program and expanding the reach of the Spring Classic tournament in the coming years to make hockey more accessible for athletes of all abilities.

The takeaway

The York Polar Bears Spring Classic demonstrates how a community-driven sports event can create opportunities for inclusion, foster a sense of belonging, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of athletes with special needs and their families.