Hundreds of spectators are expected to watch hockey at the Floyd L Maines Veterans Memorial Arena this weekend, and we’re not talking about the Binghamton Devils game.

Broome County is hosting the Special Hockey Festival Friday through Monday.

Organized by the American Special Hockey Association, the tournament features 9 teams made up of players with a variety of disabilities, including Broome County’s own Ice House Hawks.

The teams are coming from across the Northeast and Canada.

Jen O’Brien, founder of the Magic Paintbrush Project, also serves as the Executive Director of the Special Hockey Association.

She says 262 players and even more family members are expected to be in town for the games.

Executive Director Jen O’Brien says, “The most unlikely person will lace up a pair of skates and they’ll find success out here.  The results for their family members, it’s tremendous to see that father or that mother see the kid that they thought couldn’t do it, not just doing it, but absolutely crushing it out there.”

Games will be played at both the Arena and the Ice House in Chenango Bridge.

There are other off-ice activities planned as well as a demonstration of sled hockey on Monday.

And teams are planning to attend the Devils game scheduled for Saturday night at the Arena.

For a complete schedule of events, go to SpecialHockey.org.