Adaptive hockey team in Colorado Springs had their equipment stolen, some items found at a storage unit

A criminal, or group of criminals, decided to steal an entire trailer filled with adaptive hockey equipment for kids in Colorado Springs.

Less than 24 hours after 11 News reported the crime, the owner of a storage facility found pieces of the equipment in a storage unit off Vermijo Avenue. The owner saw news coverage on the theft and contacted the police. Unfortunately, the blades were taken off the equipment and helmets were also missing.

The crime happened sometime before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. That's when Doris Donley, one of the board of directors for Colorado Springs Tigers Hockey, found the trailer missing. Inside was specialized equipment for the Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association’s Jr. Tigers sled hockey program. The equipment is practically useless to the thieves, but it means the world to the kids and veterans with disabilities who use it.

The specially designed sleds rest on top of two hockey skate blades. Players sit on top and use two hockey sticks with metal picks to get around.

Donley estimates all the equipment costs somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000. Even with the blades and helmets stolen, Donley believes insurance may cover the rest.

The kids were supposed to play on Saturday. There's a chance USA Hockey could help with lending equipment to help the kids play.

The trailer was parked in the area of South Union Boulevard and Pikes Peak Avenue just to the east of Memorial Park when it was stolen.

If you have any information on the crime, you're asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.