Canes honour game day assisant on World Down Syndrome Day

By Dale Woodard on March 23, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDsports@lethbridgeherald.com

On Sunday the Lethbridge Hurricanes were playing for somebody not necessarily on their roster, but certainly a key component of their team.

Sunday was World Down Syndrome Day — the date selected on the 21st day of the third month to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes down syndrome.

On Sunday’s game against the Calgary Hitmen, the teams donned mismatched socks to honour the day.

But for the Hurricanes, it was also a chance to honour their game day assistant Ryan Roznowsky, who has down syndrome.

Roznowsky’s picture was shown on the video scoreboard throughout the game.

“He’s awesome for us,” said Hurricanes head coach Brent Kisio. “He brings energy every day. He’s great for our guys. He’s always smiling and knows sports better than most of us. We always hear about good trades and he has all the info. He brightens our day and we’re very lucky to have him helping us out.”

Second-year defenceman Joe Arntsen said even after a loss — such as Sunday’s 7-4 setback to the Hitmen — Roznowsky is there to pick the players back up.

“Ryan does so much for us and all the guys love him,” said Arntsen. “He’s always happy no matter what. After the game (Sunday) a lot of the guys weren’t very happy with it and Ryan was there with a big smile on his face. It doesn’t matter if we won or lost, he’s just there for the guys and that really helps sometimes.”

On Sunday, a group of vehicles cruised Mayor Magrath Drive to commemmorate World Down Syndrome Day.

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