AJ Gonzales no longer has to wonder what it would be like to play for his high school hockey team.
As a freshman at Gloucester Catholic High School, Gonzales wanted nothing more than to wear maroon and gold and play alongside his classmates for one of the most prestigious hockey programs in New Jersey. Diagnosed at age 2 with a rare genetic disorder called Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, Gonzales isn’t able to skate in traditional ice hockey equipment. But he’s a master at sled hockey – a fast-paced, Paralympic version of the sport where players sit on a two-bladed sled and use two short hockey sticks to propel themselves and handle the puck.
When the Gloucester Catholic varsity ice hockey team accepted an invitation to face off against Gonzales’ Wings of Steel team in sled hockey at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, it wasn’t difficult to imagine the excitement for all involved.
“It was definitely exciting, hearing the talk of it around school,” said Gonzales, 15.
FOP causes tendons and ligaments to be gradually replaced by bone, forming bone outside the skeleton that limits movement. The extra-skeletal bone formation causes progressive loss of mobility as the joints become affected.
Gonzales hasn’t let his condition affect his love of the ice, as he’s been playing sled hockey since he was 8. Aside from missing one season due to a back surgery, he’s been playing the sport steadily for much of his life.
“He’s just relentless,” said AJ’s father, Rico, who serves as head coach of Wings of Steel. “The kid has more toughness than we have. He just plays with it on his sleeve. I don’t think anyone will ever know what he has and how he plays until you’re out there with him. He leaves it all out on the ice.”
Gonzales’ overall love of hockey earned him an honorary captaincy in a game against Saint Peter’s Preparatory School this season. He helped will the Rams to an important Gordon National Division victory.
“He got the boys fired up before the game,” Gloucester Catholic coach Mike Geary said with a smile. “He gave the pre-game speech, and he was on his bench the entire game and loved every minute of it.”
By sitting on the bench with the team, Gonzales got a front row seat to experience the Rams in action. In turn, the team also wanted to experience his sport of sled hockey. Geary presented the idea to his varsity roster – and it was a unanimous decision.
“They were 100-percent bought in,” Geary said “All the smiles lit up during practice.”
On March 22, it all came together. A large crowd turned out to witness the Gloucester Catholic team strap on sleds for the first time to play hockey with Gonzales. The learning curve was steep, as some of the best high school hockey players in the state were left exhausted while learning the new game on the fly.
“This was extremely hard. I couldn’t even stay up straight,” said Rams senior captain Andrew Gadzinski, adding how “talented these kids are at playing this sport.”
Gonzales and the Wings of Steel carried the play and heavily outshot the Rams though the first 20 minutes. The Wings of Steel led, 2-0, as Gonzales potted the first goal, which stood as the game winner.
“It felt good. It took me 20 shots, but we did it,” Gonzales said with a laugh. “But then I went and helped [the Gloucester Catholic team] out.”
During a quick intermission, Gonzales switched out of his blue Wings of Steel jersey for his white Gloucester Catholic No. 23 jersey and played alongside his fellow Rams for the next 20 minutes, which also helped even the playing field during a scoreless second half.
It was also a proud moment for Rico Gonzales, who skates behind his son’s sled and helps steer as AJ uses his No. 13 Johnny Gaudreau stick to shoot and score.
“It’s emotional,” Rico Gonzales said. “He bleeds hockey. For him to get the opportunity to play for Gloucester Catholic and finally be part of the team on the ice with the guys is a great feeling. It’s a proud moment.”
Through donations, the game also raised funds that will benefit both the Gloucester Catholic Ice Hockey program and the Wings of Steel Sled Hockey team. Geary was joined by Buddy Robinson, former Rams star and recently retired NHLer, in dropping the ceremonial pucks prior to the game. Then, the teens took over. It was a great way to raise awareness of the sport of sled hockey and witness how much Gonzales excels on the ice.
All are hoping to make the game a tradition.
“They were already talking about next year and maybe making this a yearly thing,” Geary said. “That’s how much fun they all had.”
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