Benoit Awarded For Commitment To Special Hockey Program

By Andy Hutchison

Newtown High School senior Ted Benoit, a captain on the hockey team this past winter, received the Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey Mentor Award, given to a high school senior who has been committed to the Storm Special Hockey Program.

Benoit was selected based on his four-year involvement with the program, which included more than 90 hours of time spent helping special needs hockey players.

“You have been a dedicated and committed mentor from the start. You are always willing to help, offer suggestions, and are flexible and adaptable with your approach with our players,” Storm Mentor Manager Terri Tyne Connors wrote in a letter to Benoit, informing him of the award. “You are to be commended for the leadership role you have taken on with our team and the work you have done with our most challenging players.”

Benoit spent time with children and young adults with developmental disabilities, assisting them with the basics of the game — including skating and passing — at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport throughout the past four years.

“It’s great what they’re doing,” Benoit said. “Especially since I love hockey, it’s a great way to help others play the game.”

Benoit, a forward, helped the Nighthawks reach the South-West Conference Division II championship game and also led the team into the Division II state playoffs, in the team’s first year at the D-II level, this past campaign.