DDisabled hockey programs sponsored by USA Hockey across the nation are proving that hockey is for everybody. These programs are divided into six "disciplines." The six disciplines are: Amputee, Hearing Impaired, Sled, Special, Blind/Visually Impaired, Warrior Hockey (veterans with a disability playing upright). Check out these USA Hockey sanctioned programs that help athletes of all abilities find their way into the game.

Sled (sledge as it's referred to outside the United States) hockey was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden, rehabilitation center in the early 1960s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical disability, wanted to continue playing hockey.

Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player instead of one and and the sticks have metal pics on the butt end for players to propel themselves. Goalies wear basically the same equipment but do make modifications to the glove. Metal picks are sewn into the backside to allow the goalie to maneuver.

A few rinks around the country are sled accessible. Sled accessible rinks allow players to remain in their sleds and skate off the ice into the bench area. This requires that the bench area is flush with the ice and there is clear plexiglass replacing the white boards.

Sled hockey provides opportunity for many types of disabilities and there are opportunities available in local areas for recreation/competition all the way to the National Sled Team that plays in the Paralympics. Sled hockey is rapidly growing in the US and players are "hooked" once they touch the ice the first time.

https://www.nhl.com/lightning/community/lightning-made-hockey/sled-hockey

Sled hockey (or also known as sledge hockey in Canada and Europe) is an adapted version of ice hockey for athletes whose disability may inhibit them from playing stand-up hockey. Able-bodied players are also welcome to participate in the sport as well. Players will sit in an individually designed sled that is fastened to two rails on two adjustable in width skate blades with a strap around their waist to secure them to the bucket. There is a skag at the front of the sled that glides along the ice helping the skater to maintain their balance which is underneath a foot guard for the players to rest and support their feet. Sleds are customized to the individual player to best fit their needs.

The players will use two shortened sticks to move around the ice and play the puck or they may be pushed by a coach. The two skate blades under the sled allow the athlete to glide along the ice and they have a stick in each hand with metal picks at the knob which propel them to skate. The sticks are about 100 cm long with a 32cm long blade. Again, all customized to best fit the player. Goalies have one stick with picks at the heel of the blade as well as a glove that also has picks sewn at the base to help them move from post to post. Players and goalies wear the same equipment as stand-up players, however many will wear shoes instead of skates, a different style of pant and must have a cage secured to their helmet.

Sled hockey is rapidly growing throughout the United States and Canada, both countries which support very competitive teams in the Paralympics.

For more information about sled hockey or to try sled hockey, please contact Kristen Bowness at (813) 301-6578 or email her at kbowness@amaliearena.com.