The Arizona Cactus Cup Special Hockey Festival kicks off May 27 in Peoria, as adaptive hockey teams from across the western United States gather here to grow the game and connect for a weekend of fun, friendship and hockey.

Recently, the Washington Capitals and Captain Alex Ovechkin announced several community initiatives in honor of Ovechkin passing Gordie Howe for second on the NHL's all-time goals list. Ovechkin’s long-standing relationship with the American Special Hockey Association has included his celebration of the goals and achievements of ASHA special hockey athletes.

In celebration of surpassing the 800-goal mark, Ovechkin has donated to ASHA, supporting the costs for ice time. Hockey Players In Business and the Arizona Cactus Cup have teamed up with the effort to welcome the athletes and families to Arizona.

The festival is free and open to the public with teams hitting the ice, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 at AZ Ice Peoria. The festival will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 28 and will conclude for spectators at 6:30 p.m., following the championship game and awards ceremony.

ASHA provides an environment of learning, mutual respect and a sense of community to thousands of athletes and families across North America. The festival will include 9 ASHA adaptive hockey teams like One Step Beyond’s One Step Coyotes and One Step Sharks, the Valley and Bay Area’s adaptive hockey programs.

“The Arizona Cactus Cup creates a supportive environment where hockey athletes of all abilities can come together, learn from each other, enjoy their passion and celebrate their wins,” says One Step Beyond Director of Special Programs Jared Woosley. “Our One Step Beyond athletes are thrilled to take the ice and showcase their talent at the festival.”

Jen O'Brien, ASHA executive director, said the American Special Hockey Association is grateful for Ovechkin's continued support of the Arizona Cactus Cup.

"Through this wonderful donation, Alex has made it possible for every hockey player, no matter their ability, to achieve their goals. We are honored to grow the game with OSBI and support their incredible and innovative programming," she said.

In addition to action packed special hockey games for every team, the festival will feature a street hockey tournament and a street hockey skills clinic fundraiser on May 27 featuring the Top Shotts mixed-ability hockey team from Mikey’s League, a local organization focused on providing inclusive sports opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

"Mikey's League programs provide an experience where individuals of all abilities come together to learn the fundamentals of the game,” says Scott Freeman, founder and executive director of Mikey’s League. “Beyond developing skills, our inclusive approach fosters camaraderie, boosts self-confidence, and promotes social integration, creating a truly enriching and empowering environment for all participants."