Lynx goalie makes 2017 USA Deaf Olympic team
Lindenwood University-Belleville women’s ice hockey player, Libbey Breaker, has been named to the 2017 USA Deaf Olympic team.
“Well it took a couple of years to make the women’s deaf hockey team happen, but when I was told it was going to in April of 2017, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Breaker. “Since I was little I always wanted to put on that USA jersey and represent my country as well as the deaf community.”
She added, “I’ve always wanted to show that deaf people can do things like this and show others we are just like them and that there’s nothing wrong with us expect we can’t hear very well.”
Head coach Katherine Hannah is excited to see that one of her players was able to achieve such a tremendous honor.
“As a coaching staff there’s nothing better than watching your athletes accomplish a life-long goal. Libbey works very hard day in and day out and deserves this opportunity and time in the spot light,” Hannah said. “She’s a phenomenal team player and we are all incredibly proud of this accomplishment.”
Breaker, an Appleton, Wisconsin, native appeared in three games with the Lady Lynx during the 2015-16 campaign. She went 2-0 with a 1.29 goals against average and a .946 save percentage. Her highlight game came against the University of Denver where the net minder totaled a season-high 26 saves.
Breaker is hoping to bring back a lot of experience to LU-Belleville but there’s one important message she’s hoping to gain and share upon her return.
“What I hope to gain on the Olympic team and bring back to Lindenwood-Belleville is that you should never give up on your dream,” Breaker stated. “It starts with you making it happen while others are there to support your dreams. Also, I hope to bring some inspiration to the team to work harder on each other to make us a better team.”
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey is for the individual who has been diagnosed with a hearing loss. The game is played according to USA Hockey rules and instruction is based on the individual players ability to improve their skills in an environment that is receptive to their needs and demands. The ability to communicate with coaches and other players regardless of their method of communication is a huge focus. Whether a player utilizes sign language, lip reading, hearing aids, or cochlear implants, etc. interpreters are there to make sure they understand the instruction. Players receive instruction from a coaching staff with college, national and international experience.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey players participate in their local hockey associations and on high school, college and jr. teams. Many have also gone on to play for the US Deaf Ice Hockey Team in the Deaflympics. Participation allows players the opportunity to achieve goals and become successful in both life and hockey.
This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 11:30 PM with the headline "Lynx goalie makes 2017 USA Deaf Olympic team."