AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

What AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION does

The American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the world's largest network of adaptive ice hockey programs for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, including those with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Headquartered in Binghamton, New York (EIN 33-1111482), the organization is operated 100% by volunteer staff and coordinates 130+ member organizations serving more than 9,000 athletes, families, and volunteers across 110+ cities in the United States and Canada. Programming is structured around seven regional divisions (Canada, Central, Mid-Atlantic, New England, New York, Southeast, and Western) and delivers therapeutic outcomes including physical fitness, socialization, self-advocacy, and communication skills development.

ASHA's product portfolio centers on Special HockeyTM programs (free at the national level), 22+ annual festivals and tournaments, seasonal summer camps, a registration service, and a volunteer coaching network supported by an internal "ASHAre" member resources platform. Technology infrastructure is built on SportsEngine's Sports Relationship Management (SRM) platform, which powers website, registration, scheduling, and member communications, supplemented by PayPal donation processing, iCal/RSS event feeds, and a SquadLocker team store. Differentiated service infrastructure includes an Adaptive Safety Program, comprehensive insurance coverage, and an equipment sharing network.

The organization's revenue model is donation-driven rather than commercial. Sources include tax-deductible individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Bauer, NHL Industry Growth Fund, Citi, Phoenix Tower International, Pure Hockey), and NHL team-affiliated program partnerships (Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres). National registration is intentionally free, with local programs permitted nominal fees. ASHA holds the 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and earns visibility through its annual festival circuit and word-of-mouth community networks. No revenue figures, founding date, or paid headcount are publicly disclosed.

Name

AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Legal name

American Special Hockey Association

Website

https://specialhockey.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the world's largest adaptive ice hockey network, serving over 9,000 athletes with disabilities across 130+ member organizations in 110+ U.S. and Canadian cities via volunteer-led programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Ice Hockey Programs

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability & Adaptive Sports Organizations (Paralympic, Special Olympics) (MPAKACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability & Adaptive Sport Governing Bodies (Paralympic & Sport-Specific) (MPAKAFAL), Adaptive & Para-Sport Event Organizers (MPAKADAM), Adaptive & Para-Sport Training Programs (MPAKAJAK), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

Keywords

• Adaptive ice hockey
• Special needs athletics
• Therapeutic sports programs
• Nonprofit hockey association
• Disability community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Binghamton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, families, and supporters. 100% of proceeds go to serve special hockey players in the U.S.
2. Sponsorships & Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships from equipment providers (Bauer), NHL teams, and corporate partners who support the organization's mission
3. Registration Fees: Free registration is a core principle of ASHA. Programs may charge nominal fees for local operations but ASHA national registration is free.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ASHA organizes and delivers adaptive ice hockey programs for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities through a national network of 130+ member organizations across 110+ cities. Programs include local team play, seasonal summer camps, free national registration, and 22+ annual festivals and tournaments. Supporting infrastructure includes volunteer coaching, comprehensive insurance coverage, an adaptive safety program, equipment sharing, and member resources delivered via the ASHAre platform.

Product overview

The American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) operates as a nonprofit organization providing a portfolio of adaptive hockey programs and services for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. The core offerings center on Special HockeyTM programs — adaptive ice hockey designed for athletes with disabilities — supplemented by over 22 annual festivals and tournaments, summer camps, and free registration for all participants. Supporting infrastructure includes volunteer coaching programs, a donation-based funding model, member-only resources (ASHAre platform), and an online team store. ASHA connects over 130 member organizations serving more than 9,000 members across 110 cities in the U.S. and Canada. The organization is operated 100% by volunteers and uses SportsEngine's platform for website, registration, and event management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Special Hockey Programs Adaptive ice hockey programs for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, emphasizing therapeutic aspects, team participation, and life skills development including self-advocacy, self-reliance, concentration, and personal accountability. Delivered through 130+ member organizations across 110+ cities in the U.S. and Canada.
• Festivals and Events 22+ annual festivals, tournaments, and competitions open to all members, including the So Cal Special Hockey Tournament, Frankenfest, Friendly Games, Buffalo Sabres Thunder Coach Mike Invitational, and CAN AM Lake Placid.
• Summer Camps Seasonal summer camp programs, including the Northeast Summer Camp, offering skill development, skating instruction, and hockey training for athletes of all ability levels.
• Registration Services Free national registration for all ASHA programs, supporting new and returning members including the 2026-2027 season registration and summer camp registration, processed via the SportsEngine platform.
• Volunteer Programs Volunteer opportunities including Head Coach and Jr. Coach positions that enable community members to support athletes with disabilities and share their passion for hockey.
• Donation Program Tax-deductible donation program (via PayPal and mail) that funds ice time, equipment, startup grants, scholarships, and financial assistance for programs across 110 cities serving over 10,000 members.
• ASHAre Member Platform Member-only resource and communication platform providing coaches' materials, program resources, and team manager tools for program administration and support.
• Team Store Online merchandise store operated via SquadLocker, offering ASHA-branded apparel and merchandise to supporters and members.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 10,000 ASHA Members have access to physical fitness, socialization, and community
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BauercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment sponsor with #BauerGivesBack program. Bauer provides hockey equipment and support to ASHA athletes through their charitable giving program.
• Hockey Players In BusinesscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable organization hosting the HPIB Charity Tournament that benefits ASHA programs.
• Pucks For AutismminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutism awareness organization that supports ASHA through charitable activities.
• Pure HockeyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHockey equipment retailer that supports ASHA through sponsorships and donations.
• LHV Winter ClassicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity hockey event supporting ASHA through the Lehigh Valley Winter Classic tournament.
• NHL Industry Growth FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL's charitable arm providing funding and support for special hockey programs.
• Columbus Blue JacketscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL team partnership through Columbus Blue Jackets Special Hockey program, hosting events like the Friendly Games.
• San Jose SharkscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL team partnership through San Jose Fin-Classic tournament at Sharks Ice facilities.
• Buffalo SabrescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL team partnership hosting Buffalo Sabres Thunder Coach Mike Invitational tournament.
• CitiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting ASHA programs and events.
• Phoenix Tower InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting ASHA through donations and event sponsorship.
• SportsEnginecoreTechnology or IntegrationWebsite hosting, registration, scheduling, and member communications platform provider. Powers ASHA's digital infrastructure.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-special-hockey-association

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION