My name is Jamie Hintlian, and I’m so very honored to serve as Chair of the MDSC All Stars vs. Boston Bruins Alumni hockey game Sunday, Nov. 20 at Warrior Ice Arena.

Like so many families, my wife Carolyn and I were lucky enough to find connection and support from MDSC at a critical time in our journey. In our case, it was 27 years ago, soon after our baby, James, was born, and we learned he had Down syndrome.

During those first years of James’ life, we were so grateful to have MDSC by our side, providing invaluable resources and helping us connect with other families who were on the same journey, perhaps a little farther down the road. It was a lifeline to know that we weren’t alone.

Flash forward several years, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to hear that MDSC would be holding a charity hockey game in partnership with the Boston Bruins Alumni. Ever since I learned to skate at about 6 years old, I had been a diehard Bruins fan. The concept of the game was that the Bruins Alumni team, made up of former Bruins players, would play a friendly game against “the MDSC All Stars,” made up of MDSC family members, friends and supporters. Each MDSC All Star raises funds to support the organization.

If ever there was a no-brainer, this was it. I saw it as the chance of a lifetime to play game with some of my childhood – and adult-life – heroes of the Boston Bruins.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 18 years since I first suited up as an MDSC All Star to take on the Bruins Alumni. James and I have not missed a single game. Statistically speaking, our All Star team has not fared well, 2 wins, 16 losses if I remember correctly. But no matter who wins, we always say, the real winners are our loved ones with Down syndrome and families like ours. After Covid hit, we all felt a sense of accomplishment that we found a way to hold the game in 2020, albeit in a scaled back fashion, with fewer skaters and no audience – but it kept the streak alive! For all practical purposes last year felt like it was back to normal, so we’re really looking forward to this year’s game.

Why have I remained so committed year after year to playing in this game? Every year, when I step on the ice alongside my fellow MDSC All Stars, I get that same incredible feeling I did that very first game — that this is bigger than just playing with the Bruins Alumni – they’re in it for the same reasons we are!

Sure, the Bruins Alum play charity games throughout the year, but there is something special about this one. It’s not just the pre-game open skate and half-time signature signing (where families interact directly with the Bruins Alum), the self-advocate led national anthem (photo above), Liam the Fist Bump Kid welcoming players on the ice, or Bruins Alumni Honorary Coach John Dunleavy giving his team impassioned pep talks — though each of those things have become amazing traditions.

But something bigger is always in the air, what can only be described as a deep connection between the Bruins players and MDSC’s mission. It’s palpable that the Bruins Alumni truly respect the effort we put into fundraising for our loved ones. And they truly love getting to know all our loved ones with Down syndrome, both children and adults.

For me, there is nothing quite like an MDSC All Stars vs. Bruins Alumni hockey game. Even before the puck drops, the fact that we’re all playing for such a great, common cause lifts everyone’s spirits.

The Bruins love to joke around and there’s always a bit of shenanigans on the ice. There may be no checking or slapshots, but the Bruins will come out, skate circles around us and show us who’s in charge. Still, if the All Stars happen to have a hot skater or a goalie who’s on, we might be able to hold the Bruins at bay for a while.

Last year was special for a couple reasons. Incredibly, we got a lead late in the game. The Bruins didn’t like that and started firing on all cylinders. But our young goalie Jack Blair was on fire and stopped everything they threw at him. Miraculously, we actually hung on for a victory — only the 2nd time in the history of the event.

The other thing that was special last year was playing for the first time at Warrior Ice Arena, where the Bruins themselves practice. It is an amazing facility for skaters and fans, and perfect for this event. We are all excited that this year’s game will be back at Warrior!

At the end of the day, the game is always about our loved ones with Down syndrome, like my son James. James has played Challenger hockey, and adores the Bruins Alumni hockey game. Over the years, he’s gotten to sing the national anthem and do the ceremonial puck drop at center ice. Every game, I shamelessly take him into the Bruins locker room to introduce him to the players. He wears the same Bruins jersey every year, which each Bruins Alumni player has signed. He gets so excited when there’s a new guy whose signature he needs.

The Bruins Alumni joke with James and make him feel like he’s one of the guys, which he eats up. Because he likes hockey, he loves watching the game. And if his dad scores a goal, he lights up!

I am thrilled to be Chair this year, excited to be back at Warrior and hope that you, too, can join us! And who knows, maybe we can even pull off another upset victory this year.

Sincerely,

Bruins Alumni Game Chair

Friends of the MDSC fill the stands to watch this annual grudge match. Once again, the game will be played at the Warrior Ice Arena, the pristine practice facility of the Boston Bruins themselves!

Not only are attendees treated to an action-packed game, they can also lace up themselves for a family-friendly open skate (right), enter to win raffle prizes, and bid on silent auction items to win sports memorabilia, sports tickets, travel packages, and other great gifts for the holidays. This wonderful event is family-friendly and includes opportunities for you to meet Bruins alumni and get their autographs.