What is sled hockey?
Sled Hockey as it is called in the United States is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey. Ice sled (or sledge) hockey was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical impairments, wanted to continue playing hockey. The men modified a metal frame sled, or sledge, with two regular-sized ice hockey skate blades that allowed the puck to pass underneath. Using round poles with bike handles for sticks, the men played without any goaltenders on a lake south of Stockholm.
The sport caught on and by 1969, Stockholm had a five-team league that included physically impaired and able-bodied players. That same year, Stockholm hosted the first international ice sledge hockey match between a local club team and one from Oslo, Norway. During the 1970s, the teams from these two countries played once or twice a year. Several other countries began to establish teams, including Great Britain (1981), Canada (1982), the U.S. (1990), Estonia and Japan (1993). Sled hockey is a sport that totally integrates players with mobility limitation, amputees and able-bodied players with knee, leg or hip injuries that limit participation in standard hockey. Teams are organized by age and ability. Novice, junior and intermediate players (ages 5 and older) and the senior team (ages 16 and older).
Who can play ?
Sled hockey is a sport that totally integrates players with mobility limitations, amputees and able-bodied players with knee, leg or hip injuries that limit participation in standard hockey. Teams are organized by age and ability. Novice, junior and intermediate players (ages 5 and older) and the senior team (ages 16 and older).
Equipment
Equipment for this sport consists of a light weight tubular framed sled, about 4-5 feet long and approximately 3 inches off the ice, with two hockey skate blades mounted beneath the seat. A portion of the front frame rests on the ice and provides lateral stability. Straps around the ankles, knees and waist securely hold the player on the sled. Two 1.5 feet “sticks” are used. The sticks are modified hockey sticks with 4 cm teeth attached to the bottom of the non-blade end. Leaning left or right while digging the stick into the ice, turns the sled. Players slide to a stop on one or both blades like a skater. All players wear regulation protective hockey equipment.
Photo: Mobility Sports
Physical fitness
Sled Hockey participants discover that piloting a sled is fun and a great form of exercise. It increases strength and coordination and also conditions the upper body. The balance used to propel, play the puck, turn and stop gives arms, back and abdominal muscles a real workout. In fact, paraplegics playing regularly notice an increase in balance when using their wheelchairs. Players will find they enjoy greater physical fitness, opportunities to compete internationally, socialization, team camaraderie, new friendships and a lot of fun.
For more information Visit:
US Paralympics
The U.S. Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Division was formed in 2001 to increase support for Paralympic sport in the USA.
The United States Sled Hockey Association
USA Hockey Registration
The Official USA Hockey Online Registration Web site
USA Hockey: Disabled Hockey
Disabled Hockey Programs are supported by USA Hockey across the nation and prove that hockey is for everybody.
