Thursday, October 8, 2015

HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL student helps create 'Autism Awareness' night with Michigan hockey


Former Holland Elementary School student Kylie Scarpace is going to change the world.

Back in April, Scarpace was at home watching an NCAA Frozen Four hockey game. The University of Michigan was not playing in it, but Boston University was and Kylie noticed that each BU player had a puzzle piece sewn on his jersey.

Kylie recognized this puzzle piece as the autism awareness symbol. She immediately did some research and discovered that BU is a supporter of autism awareness.

Kylie asked her dad, L.J. Scarpace, the Director of Player Development for Michigan Hockey, if his team ever did something like this. Her dad replied "no."

Fast forward to August when a passionate 11-year-old girl, armed with an iPad and a dream, walked in to Coach Red Berenson's office. Kylie sat with the coach and gave a heartfelt presentation about why autism awareness is important to her, and why Michigan hockey should "light it up blue!"

After much preparation and discussion, that day has arrived.

The University of Michigan hockey team is going to host an autism awareness game on October 18 vs. Mercyhurst. Former Detroit Red Wing and hockey legend Ted Lindsay is going to drop the puck, and Kylie is going to sing the national anthem.

There will be a toned down band, a quiet room to ease the noise and possible meltdowns, a Ted Lindsay foundation booth, an Autism Speaks booth, and much more.

Let's "Light it up Blue" and shout "Go Blue!" at 5 p.m. October 18 at Michigan’s first-ever “Autism Awareness Hockey game.” Tickets are even discounted to $5 (promo code LINDSAY).

Spread the word.

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