by June Portnoy
Every Saturday morning during hockey season, Danny Lott comes to practice, just like every other boy on his team.
And every Saturday morning, Danny Lott guards the net and makes saves, just like every other goalie in his league.
But Danny Lott is not like any other boy in his league, and he’s certainly not like any other goalie.
Overcoming the Odds
Twelve years ago, Danny and his twin brother, Robby, were born four months premature. Danny weighed 1.8 pounds and Robby weighed 1.5 pounds. “They were so small they each fit in the palm of my hand,” says Regina Lott, Danny and Robby’s mother. Both boys were diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
“The doctors told us that Danny would probably never walk or talk, and that he could possibly be blind,” says his mother.
Danny spent the first five months of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ward, and has received therapy ever since he came home. In addition, he has undergone surgery five times.
“It’s only been a year since Danny can walk without the assistance of a walker, crutches or a cane, and that’s been a result of sheer determination on his part,” says Rob Lott, Danny’s father.
“I believe that there are miracles in this world,” says Regina Lott, “and that exceptions to each rule do exist. Danny’s achievements and accomplishments are far and above where anyone ever thought he would be at this point.”
Sports Enters Danny’s Life
Two years ago, Danny, who lives in Holland, PA, saw a flyer at his school about the Northampton Township Floor Hockey League in Richboro, PA. He enthusiastically told his parents that he wanted to play in this league. “He didn’t want to play on a special team; he wanted to play with the regular kids because he sees himself as any other kid,” says Regina.
Although the Lotts were initially uncertain whether to enroll Danny on a mainstream sports team, they seriously considered his request, especially since Danny has always been an avid sports fan. According to his mother, the first thing he does every morning is put on Comcast Sports Net to check all the latest scores.
Recognizing Danny’s limitations, his father knew that Danny couldn’t take a position that required him to run out on the field. However, Rob believed that Danny had enough balance to play goalie.
“I wanted to put him in a position where he could succeed,” says Rob. “It’s important that you know your child’s abilities and restrictions.”
Making the Team
Rob contacted Adam Hoffman, the Sports Activity Coordinator for the Northampton Township Floor Hockey League. Hoffman eagerly invited Danny to the upcoming tryouts, explaining that he would treat him like any other kid.
“I was excited about Danny playing in the league,” says Hoffman, who previously worked at a special needs school as a physical education instructor. “I know how important it is for kids with special needs to have the same experiences as kids without disabilities.”
According to Rob, during tryouts, Danny was the fourth best goalie out of the nine or ten boys who tried out. Danny was asked to join the beginner hockey league, consisting of boys between the ages of five and eight because Danny’s gross motor skills were in that age range.
“It was important that Danny be placed in a league that was based on ability,” says Rob. “I didn’t want to set him up for failure or ridicule.” When placing him in this league, Hoffman also considered the safety issues involved since the older kids make harder shots.
Challenges of Playing
Goalies are required to wear goalie pads and helmets that restrict their movement. For Danny, the effort of moving without wearing any equipment is difficult. Plus, the reflexes he needs to move in specific ways is especially challenging for him compared to other goalies.
“People don’t realize how physically challenging it is for Danny to be a goalie,” says Regina. “He puts his heart and soul into it because he loves doing it, but it’s not easy for him.” Danny refuses to let any obstacles keep him from
playing.
“My dad says I can do anything I put my mind to,” says Danny. Rob is Danny’s biggest advocate during the game. He stands behind him while he plays so that if Danny flops down he can pick him up, put him back on his feet and then jump back over the sidewall.
The only modification that the league has made since Danny began playing has become known as The Danny Lott Rule. This rule goes into effect if the puck is at Danny’s feet, trapped between his legs. Unlike other goalies, Danny can’t bend down to put his hand over the puck or pick it up. When this situation occurs, the referee blows his whistle, and the shot is considered saved.
Becoming Part of the Team
Despite Danny’s limitations, he plays his position well and fits in with his teammates. “Lots of people don’t realize Danny has a disability,” says Hoffman. “He’s one of the guys. Even the kids who realize he’s different don’t treat him differently. He blends into the team.”
“A lot of times, Danny’s plays have kept us in a game, or have helped us win the game.” says Barry Higgins, Danny’s current coach. “I like playing because I enjoy seeing the action of the players,” says Danny. “I also like saving the shots. I have fun and the other kids make me feel good about myself.”
One of his teammates, Eric Higgins, 6, from Richboro, PA, says, “Danny is a nice guy and a really good player. He has good team spirit. I like hanging out with him.”
Another teammate, Brett Lomas, 6, from Holland, PA, says, “I like when Danny makes a save because he’s really good at that. He’s a great goalie and a friend.”
According to Higgins, at the end of every game there’s not one kid who doesn’t high-five Danny to congratulate him on a game well played.
How the Team Benefits
“All kids benefit by seeing a kid who’s different but who tries and works so hard,” says Hoffman. “He’s motivating to them and he’s motivating to me. He truly works hard when he plays.”
Brett’s father, Todd Lomas, says that because Danny is different, Brett has gained a greater appreciation of his own skills, such as running.
Sue Bollendorf from Churchville, PA, whose 8-year-old son, Steven, plays on Danny’s team, says that Steven was initially concerned about Danny’s safety and wanted to protect him, but after seeing how capable Danny was playing hockey, he overcame that fear.
“Danny is a great kid who always has a smile and a great attitude,” says Higgins. “He’s a positive role model to the entire team.”
How Danny Benefits
Since Danny began playing three seasons ago, his parents say that he seems more confident. “He sees himself differently because the kids on the team are so wonderful about making him feel like one of the guys,” says Rob Lott.
“He has improved as a goalie,” says Hoffman. “Even though his mobility isn’t great, it has increased since he started playing. He moves around more to make the saves.”
Though Danny is typically a stationary goalie, lately he’s actually been diving on the puck, says Higgins.
Other Sports
Danny’s sports career doesn’t end at hockey. Last year Rob approached the Lower Bucks Flag Football League (LBFFL) to get permission for Danny to play on the team. Once again, recognizing his son’s limitations, Rob simply wanted Danny to play in a position where he could succeed. Rob asked Danny to be the center and hike the ball, enabling him to participate.
According to Rob, Danny’s strength doesn’t come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will to be like the other children. His desire and participation in LBFFL has been noticed by many of his peers. On the morning of the playoffs, the players on another team signed a football and presented it to Danny as a symbol of how they respected his determination.
In addition, Danny has recently begun adaptive skiing. Although his parents originally tried to teach Danny to ski on adaptive skis, which required him to be in a sitting position, Danny ultimately insisted that he learn to ski standing up, just like everyone else. Rob now tethers him down mountains while skiing behind him. “Now that’s determination,” says Rob.
Danny’s brother Robby has learning issues and physical limitations, though significantly fewer than Danny, according to Regina Lott. Although he is capable of running, Robby isn’t as interested in sports as his brother.
Danny has come a long way since his parents were told that he would probably never walk, talk or see. As a result, the Lotts are overjoyed every time they watch Danny take his place in front of the net, accomplishing what doctors once thought was unattainable.
“Regardless of whether Danny’s team wins or loses,” says Rob, “every game is a championship game for us.”
June Portnoy is a local freelance writer.
Sports Options for Kids with Special Needs
Buddy Ball of Edison organizes baseball, basketball, soccer and bowling teams for children at least 6 years old who have special needs. This organization typically consists of four to six teams. Although this sports program is held in Edison, NJ, anyone qualified is welcome to participate. 732-549-8918, www.buddyballofedison.com
The Little League Challenger Division s a separate division of Little League baseball for children with physical and mental disabilities. Kids ages 5-18 are eligible to play. Teams are set up according to ability. Players can participate in three levels: tee-ball, coach-pitch or player pitch. Little League recommends that no score be kept during games. 570-326-1921, www.littleleague.org
Special Olympics offers year-round sports training and athletic competition in 26 Olympic-type winter and summer sports, ranging from alpine skiing and figure skating to cycling, golf and power lifting. Participation is open to anyone at least age 8 who has an intellectual disability. Individuals compete against other athletes in the Special Olympics Program. 800-700-8585,
www.specialolympics.com
U.S. Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is a separate division of Little League baseball for children with physical and mental disabilities. Kids ages 5-18 are eligible to play. Teams are set up according to ability. Players can participate in three levels: tee-ball, coach-pitch or player pitch. Little League recommends that no score be kept during games. 570-326-1921, www.littleleague.org