The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is pleased to announce their new Directors of Disabled Hockey, Marie Sly and Louis Lombardo.

Marie Sly is the Executive Director of the West Michigan Special Hockey Association (WMSHA) as well as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for WMSHA.  In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for Autism Support of Kent County.  In her time with WMSHA, she has helped to grow the association from 15 athletes to nearly 60. In addition to the day-to-day operations of WMSHA, Marie handles all registration and social media, as well as serving as an on-ice coach.  In summer 2016, Marie partnered with Evan Rankin of the Toledo Walleye and Professional Hockey Academy to host the first ever Michigan Special Hockey Fantasy Camp.  With support from the Detroit Red Wings, they gave over 25 special needs athletes a chance to play alongside of their heroes and get direction from Red Wings Head Coach, Jeff Blashill.

Marie has also been appointed the Michigan representative for USA Hockey’s Disabled Section and will represent Michigan and MAHA at all USA Hockey meeting.

Louis Lombardo brings 15 years of management experience in the ice industry.  As a General Manager and Regional Manager for Rink Management Services, he has successfully supervised a number of indoor ice arenas and outdoor seasonal ice rinks.  His professional experience includes coaching both recreational and competitive figure skating, as well as ice hockey.  

Lou has a passion for working with disabled sports programs and especially the participants.  He is proud of his work with the Special Olympics, Wounded Warrior Project, and with Veterans Affairs Hospitals to bring the specialty of disabled skating and hockey to various ice rinks in the U.S.  Lou is excited to serve in this role and to assist in the growth of Disabled Hockey Programs here in the state of Michigan.

For more information on disabled hockey, which includes Special, Sled, Blind, Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Warrior/Standing Amputee, in the state of Michigan, please contact Marie or Lou.

Marie Sly                                                         Louis Lombardo iii
616-826-5041                                                 804-986-4561
marie@wmspecialhockey.org                           louislombardoiii@icloud.com