Professional hockey players trade in ice for the courts to benefit a good cause.
The New York Riveters Women's Hockey Team and the non-profit -- Play 4 Autism -- hosted its first hockey game for children with special needs Saturday.
Kids created team names and shuffled the hockey puck across the Middle Village Playground.
The hockey team is part of the inaugural National Women's Hockey League -- which launched in October.
They hope to spread awareness about their sport while giving back to the community.
"It's really important teaching our sport to young kids and getting them out and involved in athletics." said Bray Ketchum of The New York Riveters
"I'm excited because we get to run some scrimmage drills with professionals and um, go Riveters!" said Middle Village Resident James Pachilakis
The hockey team will host a raffle and auction to benefit Play 4 Autism Sunday night at their game against the Connecticut Whale in Brooklyn.