The Bridgeport Police Department hockey team will sponsor a hockey clinic tomorrow, March 20, 2014, with the CT Storm, a non-profit dedicated to providing children with a developmental disability the opportunity to play ice hockey.

“As a team, we held a fundraiser to support this program,” said Police Officer Timothy Leonard, one of the organizers. “As we thought and spoke more, we decided it would be even better to host an event where, as a team, we could do some teaching and probably some learning at the same time. We all share something in common – a love for hockey.”

WHAT: Hockey Clinic sponsored by the Bridgeport Police hockey team

WHEN: Thursday, March 20, 2014; Pizza at 6:30 p.m., Ice time at 7:30 p.m., Refreshments afterward.

WHERE: Wonderland of Ice, 123 Glenwood Ave., Bridgeport CT

WHO: BPT Police Hockey Team, CT Storm and hopefully a visit from members of our Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

“I couldn’t be more proud. Our police officers are dedicated members of our community and nothing illustrates that better than this event,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

The BPT Police team consists primarily of Police Officers and plays in local leagues and Police/Fire charity tournaments and games.

Assisting in organizing and sponsoring Thursday’s event were: The Sound Tiger Booster Club; Vazzy’s restaurant; Rita’s Ice, and Wonderland of Ice.

Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey is dedicated to providing children from the age of five through young adult with a developmental disability the opportunity to play ice hockey. Their therapeutic program teaches skating and hockey skills, as well as gives the player the opportunity to play a team sport. Through hockey, the program emphasizes the continued development of individual life skills such as self-reliance, dependability, focus and confidence. Prior skating or hockey experience is not required.

“Job well done. Law enforcement can’t be a job where you just punch a time card,” said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr. “It comes down to relationships. This is one of many that are built every day.”