Breaking Barriers: Drew Garza on Blind Hockey and Community

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry sit down with Drew Garza, founder of the Dented Puck Foundation and USA Hockey’s Blind Hockey representative. Drew shares his personal journey from lifelong hockey player to losing his vision, and ultimately rediscovering the game through blind hockey. The conversation examines how blind hockey works, from equipment adaptations and rules to communication and teamwork on the ice. Drew also discusses the mission of the Dented Puck Foundation, the impact the sport has on players and families, and his role in growing blind hockey across the United States. Together, they address accessibility, community, and what the next generation of blind hockey players can expect as the sport continues to expand.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode’s focus on blind hockey, accessibility, and inclusion
[00:03:56] Drew Garza reflects on recent blind hockey tournaments and community growth
[00:04:22] Garza shares his personal journey into hockey and losing his vision
[00:07:38] Origins and mission of the Dented Puck Foundation
[00:10:26] Explanation of blind hockey classifications, rules, and on-ice adaptations
[00:13:43] How the blind puck differs from a standard hockey puck
[00:15:32] Discussion of player skill, talent, and spatial awareness in blind hockey
[00:18:18] Communication, safety, and physical contact in blind hockey
[00:19:57] Challenges and requirements for blind hockey to reach the Paralympics
[00:22:18] Impact of blind hockey on players’ lives and family dynamics
[00:24:13] USA Hockey’s efforts and plans to grow blind hockey nationwide
[00:27:17] Advice for the next generation of blind hockey players
[00:28:26] Rapid-fire questions and favorite memories from blind hockey
[00:30:36] Where to learn more about the Dented Puck Foundation and blind hockey

Links:
USA Hockey - ⁠⁠usahockey.com
Drew Shore - ⁠drewshore.com
Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠fryhockey.com/%E2%81%A0
Dented Puck Foundation - thedentedpuck.com