Support the Seattle Sea Otters Inclusive Hockey
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Help Launch the Seattle Sea Otters – Inclusive Hockey for All Minds
Hi friends, families, and community supporters,
I’m launching a brand new hockey program in Seattle: The Seattle Sea Otters, a sensory-friendly, inclusive hockey club designed especially for neurodivergent individuals (including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or anyone who feels overwhelmed in traditional team sports environments).
We’re now officially part of Special Hockey™, an adaptive version of ice hockey created for athletes with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Special Hockey™ focuses on sportsmanship, teamwork, friendship, and personal growth on and off the ice, leading to improved physical and mental health and a meaningful sense of community for both players and their families.
Our mission is to reimagine the game of hockey into something flexible, welcoming, and joyful for everyone, whether you’ve skated your whole life or are just stepping on the ice for the first time.
Why “Sea Otters”?
Sea otters are social, adaptable, and incredibly resilient; just like the players we’re creating this space for. The Seattle Sea Otters believe that no one should have to "fit the mold" to play hockey. We're building a team where every player is encouraged to skate their own way, at their own pace, and still feel part of something meaningful.
What Makes This Club Different?
We're designing a program where the game works for the player—not the other way around:
- Half-ice games (2v2 or 3v3) with no scorekeeping or pressure
- No whistles, no buzzers, no yelling—just calm, clear communication
- Sensory chill zone with fans, fidgets, headphones, and quiet space
- Flexible gear options, including shoe hockey for those who can’t tolerate skates
- Visual supports, hand signals, and opt-out-friendly language
- Bright jerseys for volunteers/mentors and clear signage for support
- "No Skates, No Problem" – everyone participates in their own way
This is not just hockey. It’s community, confidence, and connection for players of all ages and abilities who may not have found their place in traditional leagues.
What We’re Fundraising For
To run our first trial session, we’re raising $2,500 to cover:
- Ice time rental – $600
- Soft, adaptive equipment – $1,000
- Sensory supports – $400
- Soft pucks, signage, volunteer gear – $300
- Supplies, GoFundMe fees, and extras – $200
All funds go directly to creating a safe, inclusive experience for our players.
If we exceed our goal, extra funds will support future sessions, a gear library, and long-term sustainability for the program.
How You Can Help
- Donate — any amount helps
- Sign up to play or volunteer: https://forms.gle/1HH6k1o7AwSCwKnt9
- Share this with friends, local families, or community orgs
- Follow along as we build something special
Together, we can make hockey more inclusive one sea otter at a time.
Thank you so much for helping us launch the Seattle Sea Otters.
– Sarah Sewell
Seattle Sea Otters Hockey Club
Organiser
Sarah Sewell
Organiser
Edmonds, WA