In 2008, after a year of traveling to Rochester so his son, Ryan, could play hockey with the Rochester Ice Cats, Steffan started an ice hockey program in the Buffalo region for individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. Currently known as the Buffalo Sabres Thunder, Steffan was the face, heart, and soul of the organization, which just completed its 14th season last spring. After the WNY Special Hockey Association incorporated as a non-profit, Steffan became the president and head coach of the program, which began with 15 players and has grown to more than 40 today.
Additionally, Steffan served on the board of directors of Glory Be to Kids and the Touching Bases Baseball League, acted as a buddy, teacher, group leader, prop designer and photographer for over 15 years for SABAH and Gliding Stars, and spent time as an assistant coach for Special Olympics basketball, baseball, floor hockey, and hiking.
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About the J. Michael Duffett Award
Mike Duffett was a student of the game and a coach with the Buffalo Bisons and the Amherst Hockey Association. A standout player at Nichols School and Clarkson University, Duffett was working in the Sabres' hockey department under Scotty Bowman and Roger Neilson at the time of his death following a battle with cancer. The Sabres established the J. Michael Duffett Award in 1984 in his memory.
