UNCW hockey players help rehab patients grab the gold

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Winter Olympics have had people around the world cheering on their favorite athletes and teams this month.

In Wilmington, some patients at New Hanover Regional Medical Center are having their own kind of hockey game, all thanks to UNCW.

Tuesday was the gold medal match at the 2018 Rehab Games.

Members of UNCW’s club ice hockey team showed patients how to play and cheered them on as they put the biscuit in the basket.

One of the players, Bennett Clark, says he thought the best part is seeing the patients loosen up and have fun.

“It’s gonna be awkward for anyone if you haven’t picked up a hockey stick before and you try to help them out a little bit,” Clark said. “As they get more comfortable, I feel like they get the hang of it more and that’s when they start really enjoying it. Letting loose and having fun, I think that’s the most important part.”

Much like the Olympics, there is also curling, biathlon, and skiing.

The Rehab Hospital puts the Games together for both the Summer and Winter Olympics.