If you walked into the MedStar Capitals Iceplex on a Sunday morning, you might not notice anything unusual at first. Players glide effortlessly across the rink, passing, shooting, and laughing like any other hockey team. But look a little closer, and you’ll see something remarkable.
The Washington Blind Hockey Club was founded nine years ago to give athletes with little or no sight a chance to compete — and it’s made a life-changing difference for its members.
The game is adapted just slightly: the goal is a foot shorter than in standard hockey, and the puck is designed to make noise so players can track it. Otherwise, it’s pure hockey — fast, competitive, and inspiring.
"Sometimes it surprises people that it’s blind hockey," said coach Mike McCown.
For players like Charlie Mitchell, who began losing his vision due to a rare condition a decade ago, the club has been a game-changer. Now with 90% vision loss, Mitchell says the sport gives him "a sense of freedom" — something he thought he had lost forever.
The impact goes far beyond the rink. Fellow player Doug Goist helped Mitchell land a job at National Industries for the Blind, where they now work together. Goist, who couldn’t imagine playing blind hockey when he first started, now advocates for others through NIB’s NSITE department, helping visually impaired individuals find meaningful employment.
Both Goist and Mitchell are also members of the U.S. National Blind Hockey Team and will represent the country in the 2025 International Blind Hockey Series against Canada starting April 25.
"I play for the letters on my hat and on my chest — but most importantly, for my teammates," Goist said.
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Photo: Getty