"There's a lot of smiles out here today," said Dumba, a Minnesota Wild defenseman. "I'm just happy to see that. I'm just grateful all these kids could come together. We're all coming from different walks of life and for us to be here really is about family and friends and the memories we're making in this game.
"These were my best memories as a child. Just being outside on the outdoor rink with my friends. I'm thrilled I can share that with them as well."
The players, who arrived at the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL on a picturesque winter day, participated in one of a number of 45-minute sessions and were treated to guest appearances by Dumba's Wild teammates, including forwards Matt Boldy, Mason Shaw, Brandon Duhaime, Connor Dewar, Ryan Reaves, defensemen Jon Merrill and Calen Addison and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
"I think when you go to an outdoor rink, there probably isn't a lot of people that look like us, especially growing up, not a lot of kids looking like us," said Reaves, who is Black. "So, to have a gathering like this where everybody kind of looks different but looks the same at the same time is important for these kids to realize that it doesn't matter where you come from, what your parents do, what you do -- sports is for everybody. And you can enjoy it just like everybody else enjoys."
Sled hockey players, blind and deaf players, Black players, White players, Latino players -- it did not matter. On Monday, they were all hockey players.
"We don't leave anyone out," Dumba said. "It's awesome. We've got interpreters here for sign language. We've got kids who are deaf and kids who are blind. Just kids from every walk of life coming together.
"This really is hockey being for everyone. I think that phrase gets thrown out there a lot and doesn't always get put into use. You're seeing the definition of it right here. I'm pretty proud about that."
