South Island hockey team for people with developmental disabilities preparing 'flash cheer mob'

A South Island hockey team for people with disabilities is asking for the public's support at its final game of the season.

The only thing they need? A cheering crowd.

The South Island Ravens is a co-ed team for young people with developmental disabilities, and is the only one of its kind in South Vancouver Island. It only costs $25 for players to join for an entire season, and the league can help players with acquiring gear if they need it.

Co-manager Ray Arseneault said the event is about raising awareness and supporting the team as they head to an adapted Canada-wide tournament.

"It's simply just…to put smiles on their faces and raise awareness that the team exists in this community," he said, adding that hockey helps the players with social and physical skills, as well as providing a place for them simply to have fun.

Arseneault said a big turnout would mean a lot to the team, who have been representing the South Island for a number of years.

"You go to some of the Grizzly minor hockey games and see 50, 60, 70 people in the stands. For us, sometimes there may be five, 10 people," he said. "[The team has] never experienced anything like that before. They've been representing our community and our Island since 2012."

The final game is against the team's 'Volunteer Dads' at the Juan de Fuca ArenaMarch 17 from 11 to 11-45 a.m. and is completely free to spectators. All you have to bring are your loudest cheers.