The Tecumseh freshman and nine CMU students went stick-to-stick Tuesday night at Finch Fieldhouse — to not only sharpen their hockey skills, but to promote public awareness as well.

Caplon, who has arthrogryposis, has been in a wheelchair since he was 8 years old. The disease affects limb and joint development.

“I decided to do (the game) because it’s Disabilities Awareness Week,” Caplon said. “It’s also a great opportunity because most people think (disabled people) can’t play hockey, but we love it.”

During the game, players taped hockey sticks to the side of their wheelchairs instead of holding them. Moving the ball required players to turn to one side and hit the ball using the chair’s swinging motion.

Caplon, who has been playing hockey for about eight years, also plays wheelchair soccer and wheelchair football.

“Pretty much anything you can play, I can play too,” Caplon said.

Though Caplon was the only player with a disability, he said he was challenged on the court.

“I see (a lot of) natural talent in these guys,” Caplon said.

Volunteer Center organized the game to show disabilities do not exclude people from competitive sports.

This is the first time an event like this has happened, and because of the its success, more regular events may be scheduled.

“This is fun,” said Lake Isabella senior Craig Torgerson. “I’d do this all the time.”

Torgerson also is a student coordinator for the David Garcia Project, which is designed to create an awareness of disabilities and the people who have them.

Tuesday was the first time many participants had used a wheelchair, much less in a competitive sport. But that didn’t deter them from wanting to learn.

“I just got out of class and I came by and thought, ‘I’ve got to try this,’” said Mount Pleasant junior Bill Wiegandt. “It’s probably tougher than playing without the chairs.”

With no goalies, the competition was fierce, resulting in frequent injuries.

“There are a lot of injuries — the only rule is cross-checking, which is a penalty,” Caplon said.

Because players cannot use their legs, much of the game is played using their upper-body — the result of which can be tiring.

“I was going to work out after this, but not anymore.” said Madison Heights senior Anthony Marzilli.

Coloma sophomore Stephanie Halley said spending Monday afternoon in a wheelchair was an eye-opening experience.

Halley navigated her way around campus, passing out fliers promoting this week’s disability awareness events.

“I work with people who have a disability often, but when you get a chance to experience life in their shoes, you realize how hard it can be sometimes,” Halley said.

Disability Awareness Week events

Braille Hangman - An oversized game of hangman with disabilityrelated words and Braille representation of the letters is taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Towers lobby.

Hazed and Confused - Students can try to navigate campus with a simulated visual disability from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Wheelchair Races - Race in and out of cones on the sidewalks, adjacent to Charles V. Park Library, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.

“Murderball” - View the documentary ‘Murderball,’ at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

Click here to view a video discussing wheelchair hockey and its purpose.