For Peter Thompson, giving back starts with creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong.
A member of CAVU’s Cash Solutions team, Peter has spent the past few months volunteering as a coach with the Great Blizzards special needs hockey program in Massachusetts. Peter was first introduced to the program by a friend he plays men’s league hockey with, and he quickly realized it was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
“It’s about inclusivity and making sure that special needs athletes have a place to play and a place to feel like they belong,” Peter said.
The Great Blizzards serves athletes with a wide range of cognitive, developmental, emotional, and physical disabilities, offering hockey programs for players from childhood through adulthood. Practices are held on Saturday mornings and usually bring together about 25 players between the ages of 10 and 30. Peter’s team also competes against other special needs teams within the Great Blizzards program.
Some of the players Peter coaches are non-communicative or on the autism spectrum and may not be able to participate in traditional drills or more structured practice activities. For Peter, that challenge is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering.
He enjoys getting to know each player individually and figuring out how to help them feel included, comfortable, and excited to spend time on the ice. Whether that means adapting drills, creating one-on-one activities, or simply making sure every player feels seen, Peter is committed to giving each athlete a positive experience.
Three years ago, after Boys & Girls Clubs of America became one of CAVU’s Impact Pledge Partners, Peter began volunteering with his local club. He created a six-week introductory lacrosse program for children ages 5 and 6, later adding a four-week floor hockey program for fifth and sixth grade boys. After taking a year off while the athletic field was reconstructed, he plans to bring the lacrosse program back this spring.
Peter also volunteers his time with Dog Tag Bakery and Girls Who Code by reviewing resumes for participants. Before joining CAVU, he also served on the board of the Hockey Humanitarian Foundation.
Whether he is helping young athletes discover a new sport, mentoring job seekers, or making hockey more accessible, Peter’s volunteer work reflects the values CAVU is proud to support.
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