Taking time for special pals

But Shine knows that just saying it isn’t enough. And while the Cougars have been winning - AC repeated as the Division 1 North champion with a 2-1 win over St. Mary’s of Lynn on Saturday - the “everything’’ is making its own impression on the ice.

For the past eight years, the Arlington Catholic boys’ and girls’ hockey programs have hosted “Special Skates,’’ a skating program for children with special needs. From December through February, AC players volunteer their time to mentor buddies.

“It’s not about hockey,’’ said Shine. “It’s about having fun and the joy of being on the ice.’’

The program has been highly successful, with many pupils’ parents passing on their thanks, according to Shine. But the program also has had a profound effect on his own team.

“It opens up the average high school athlete’s eyes,’’ Shine said. “They see how fortunate they are. They’ve been given the gift to play a sport, a gift other kids don’t have. They can skate and shoot a puck. Yet the kids they’re skating with have difficulties our players might not relate to. And still, they’re the happiest kids you’ll ever meet. It’s a wake-up call. It instills in them the importance of giving back.’’

During the Cougars’ current run in the postseason, they’ve regularly hosted a special guest, 13-year-old Jack Penny. Jack has autism and has been a program regular for the past five years.

“When we started coming a few years back, I didn’t really think he’d be skating,” said his father, Jack Penny Sr. “But he’s a natural. It was incredibly emotional for me. I used to play hockey, and seeing my son skating around, that was something I didn’t think was going to happen. The program has been a miracle for us. It’s been one of the most successful therapies to get Jack out of his shell.

“It’s remarkable what these players could achieve with a boy who hardly has any language, and who normally is sort of lost in his own world. With no special training - no degrees - in special education, these teenagers have a natural ability to connect with our kids.”

The team, as a whole, has connected, and its members enjoy having Jack around.

“He’s come into the locker room to visit and wish us luck,” said senior Michael Settipani. “It’s paid off so far. Last season [then senior] David Maiocco got real close with him. Dave bought him a hockey stick and had the whole team sign it. I think he’s one of our bigger fans.’’

Although he has already graduated, Maiocco was still a regular volunteer each Saturday this winter.

“The kids really develop strong relationships,’’ said Shine. “Dave and Jack still stay in touch. We’ve also had a number of kids pursue special education as a career.’’

Amanda Donato, a senior captain for the AC girls’ squad, will attend Emmanuel College this fall to study elementary education and special needs.

“I always knew that I wanted to work with kids,’’ said Donato, who participated every Saturday for all four years. “Special Skates opened a door. I developed these relationships and knew I wanted to help. I knew I could help.

“I think everyone realized real quickly just how important this was. It was the best hour of ice time we had all week. It was a time to give back. And to see how excited the kids are to see you, it’s a very rewarding experience.’’

Donato says that once the relationship developed, she would never miss a Saturday.

“It’s not mandatory, and still we get like 98 percent attendance,’’ Shine said. “These kids practice every Friday, sometimes late. They have games every Saturday and yet very, very few miss a skate.’’

Of course, the chemistry between high school student-athletes and those with special needs is not without some awkwardness at first, which the players acknowledge.

“I think we all mature a lot because of it,’’ said senior John Needham. “At first we were kind of nervous, but you get comfortable and make some friends.’’

It’s almost enough to make them forget about winning.

“It’s an amazing experience,’’ said Settipani. “I mean, it’s easily the most important thing we’ll do on the ice. The kids are so happy to be out there, you feel like you’re making a difference. It’s always good to make someone happy. The whole experience was great.’’

Hawks’ sophomore forward Brian Fahey tied the game with 2:24 left, and teammate Tim Murphy followed with the game-winner. Goaltender C.J. Flannery had 24 saves.

“We never quit,’’ said Hudson coach Mike Nanartowich, who was also at the helm of the 1990-’91 squad, his first season as coach of his alma mater. “We kept throwing the puck at the net. It paid off for us at the end.’’

“You know, our first goal is always to win the league, and it’s a big deal any time we get into the Super 8,’’ said coach Bill Guisti. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have the best showing once we got there.’’

With the game tied, 1-1, early in the third period, Ashland’s Kyle Murray had a breakaway attempt that could have put the Clockers up, but his bid clanged off the crossbar. Scituate scored the go-ahead goal minutes later.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this tremendous group of players,’’ said first-year coach Mike Roman. “It really came down to a half an inch or so. That’s what the game of hockey is all about.’’

In the North final, Concord-Carlisle (20-1-2) was dealt its first loss of the season, falling to Marblehead, 4-2.

“Clearly, it’s a disappointing way for the season to end,’’ said coach Kevin Harrington. “But it’s hard to ignore the fantastic year these guys had. Marblehead played a great game. I thought my kids left everything they had out there.’’

All-scholastic forward Brittany Soar and first-year goalie Marissa Reitsma spearheaded the Colonials in the postseason. Reitsma, who only began training in net in July, allowed six goals over four playoff games and shut out high-powered Lexington. . . .

After an upset semifinal win over Nobles in the NEPSAC D1 tournament, Lawrence Academy of Groton fell, 3-1, to Westminster in the title contest. . . . The Dexter School of Brookline boys dropped the Piatelli/Simmons small school tournament final, 3-2, to Kimball Union Academy in double-overtime on Sunday.

KUA’s Peter LaFosse scored an unassisted power play goal just 58 seconds into the second sudden death frame.

Jeff Schaible can be reached at jeff.schaible@gmail.com