PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Plattsburgh State men's hockey defensemen Eric Greene and Ward Smith were recently honored by the National Down Syndrome Society with recognition awards for their for their positive roles in advocating and promoting awareness of Down syndrome to the Plattsburgh area. They were endorsed by the North Country Down Syndrome Association.
"Their impact on the lives of all people with Down syndrome is nothing short of amazing; however, two particular lives will never be the same," said Cindy Rotz of the NCDSA. "The bond between Eric and Matt Thomson as well as the relationship between Ward and Brett Rotz is an excellent example of people accepting each other for who they are and changing lives as they do it. These student-athletes serve as role models to all who live in the Plattsburgh area to foster total acceptance, led by the coaching staff of Bob Emery and Steve Moffat."
Eric is a senior from Cedar Knolls, N.J., and Ward a junior out of Forest, Ontario. Eric--a finalist for the prestigious Mellon Hockey Humanitarian Award that featured a field of almost 75 nominees from all levels of college hockey--is the team's liaison for Matt who completed his third season as the Cardinals' assistant equipment manager. Ward visited Brett's school every week and ensured that Brett, one of Plattsburgh's No. 1 fans, had access to his favorite players.
"Our hats off to our players who strive to be active in community service," Emery added. "This is just another great example of that, and we're more than happy to do it."
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