DIAMONDS HISTORY
Our Founder
In 1997 John Donaldson realized the need for a Hockey Program for Special Needs Hockey in the Don Mills area, always promoting the idea of Specials Hockey across the city.
John founded the Don Mills Diamonds in 1997 which begin with ten players playing other teams in the Don Mills Civitan House League and other Special Needs hockey teams within the GTA. As the tenth anniversary approached, the Civitan board motioned to change the name from it’s original Don Mills Diamonds to it’s present name. Debating Donaldson or Donaldson’s, it was recognized that this was in fact John “s” team, thus DONALDSONS DIAMONDS was named, this team being a true extension of John.
John will forever be one of our “Executive” but will be better remembered as a true Mentor.
Today we have more than 50 players and ten Coaches across three teams PLUS a learn-to-skate program. We play against other Special Hockey clubs in the GTA and beyond.
The Donaldson’s Diamonds hockey program is affiliated with Hockey Canada and Special Hockey International as well as the American Special Hockey Association.
Please click here to read the kind words read by Ian Kennedy, Don Mills Civitan Coach (2001 – current) at John Donaldson’s Funeral in 2011 thanks John for his heart-felt vision of promoting participation at all levels and abilities, inclusion of everyone who wants to play the game of hockey, and performing at one’s individual best.
Our Story
Who Can Play
We welcome all Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities with ages ranging from 5-65+ all genders who are interested in fun, creating friendships and physical activity.
We want all players to play at the best of their abilities and by having fun everyone wins!
Some of our players have diagnoses included but not limited to:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Autism
- Down’s syndrome
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- OCD
- PTSD
- Tourette’s
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is that hockey should be about fun, creating friendships, building self-esteem and being physically active. Our program is for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ages who will thrive while learning and playing hockey with like-skilled players. Our ultimate goal is FUN for all.
Our coaches make every effort to ensure that all players – even those on the other teams – have a great hockey experience and our players incorporate this philosophy into their own behaviour – on and off the ice.
Everyone wins when each player has the chance to play to the best of their abilities and have fun.
The Diamonds are a family and we accept all players. However, we have behaviour expectations for all people associated with our program including players, parents, guardians and friends. Violence, Threats or Aggression whether in person, online or any other method will not be tolerated.