Blind Hockey Spotlight: Adam Kugler-Sprayson, Saskatchewan

Blind Hockey Spotlight: Adam Kugler-Sprayson, Saskatchewan
Adam Kugler Sprayson, known as AKS, has journeyed with Canadian Blind Hockey for over a decade. From a young child learning to skate with Courage Canada, to now participating in the Summer Development Camp, Nationals and any chance he can get on the ice. Here’s more from Adam in his own words:

 

To the left, AKS with Matt morrow as a young child and to the right, AKS during the 2024 summer camp

“How did blind hockey change my life?  First of all, Blind Hockey truly impacted and changed my life by giving me a community that I feel comfortable in and comfortable communicating with.   A lot of the time I feel like I don’t fit in, or I don’t belong, but when I’m around the Blind Hockey community and I am doing what I love, I feel like it can’t get much better than that.

Before Blind Hockey came into my life, I was very confused on what I wanted to pursue in terms of sports. When Canadian Blind Hockey came to Saskatoon in 2023, I was truly amazed and grateful.  It flipped a switch in my life where I went from confused and lost to instantly knowing what I wanted to pursue in terms of sports. As soon as I got a feel for the puck I knew that this is what makes me happy, and this is what I have been waiting for my entire life.

When I was 6 years old, Courage Canada came to Saskatoon and that is when I learned how to skate. However, I wasn’t aware of Blind Hockey until I was 14. I remember constantly searching up all of these events and coming across opportunities in other communities but not Saskatchewan. After another 2 years I finally got my chance to play Blind Hockey. I remember when Luca told me in the locker room that I should come out to Toronto for the National Tournament, I said “yes of course” but I didn’t believe him. I didn’t even know if I could and I hadn’t even been outside of Saskatchewan or on a plane.

I made it to Toronto for Nationals in 2023 and it was an incredible experience.  I enjoyed meeting other people who had visual impairments and had the same love for hockey.  I’ve made so many friends in the blind hockey community in such a short amount of time and it is never a problem finding someone to socialize with or connect with.  It is an amazing environment for all.  Since then, I’ve attended the Canadian Blind Hockey summer camp for 2 years along with many other events and I am currently active in the Saskatoon blind hockey program.  My hope is to continue developing my skills and contributing to the growth of Blind Hockey in our community.”