While the Locomotives got to experience what it felt like to be a Blue for a day, they're actually now Blues for good. With the team being renamed and rebranded, the club will now represent the St. Louis Blues in tournaments for the disabled athletes.
The Locomotives actually began 23 years ago when Tony Sansone Jr. learned of a disabled hockey team that was competing in Toronto. Sansone and his wife brought that idea to St. Louis, establishing the Gateway Locomotives as the first hockey team in the United States for the developmentally-challenged. The organization currently serves 45 players, including some from the original roster. Many have been diagnosed with autism or down syndrome. Now, 60 clubs similar to the Gateway Locomotives exist across the country.
"I have seven healthy children, and not withstanding that, I have all healthy nieces and nephews, just blessings beyond what anyone would expect to experience," said Sansone. "We wanted to give something back more than just from a monetary standpoint, but with our time and energy. All my kids are involved, and this is a really special (organization) to my family."
"The Blues, under the leadership of Tom Stillman and his ownership group, showed everyone what they're all about," Sansone said of Sunday's event. "They're local people that understand how important it is to be part of the landscape. They've certainly showed that with everything they've done, but more in particular with what they have done today. Words can't describe the value they bring. Just look at what they've done from an inspirational standpoint for all of our athletes and their families."