WHAT IS SLED HOCKEY?

Sled hockey is an exciting alternative sport that uses the rules of hockey. However, instead of skating, the players sit on a specially designed sled and use two short ice picks to propel themselves across the ice. Standard hockey rules apply. Legal body contact and raised puck shooting are as much a part of sled hockey as they are in traditional hockey.

Most people are aware of wheelchair sports such as Track & Field and Basketball. What most people don’t know is that the disabled can also play ice hockey.

The formal name for it is Sled Hockey (Sledge Hockey in Canada and Europe). Sled Hockey was first developed in Norway in 1971 in order to meet the special recreational, emotional and physical needs of disabled children and adults.

Sled Hockey is similar to ice hockey. It uses many of the same rules, with the biggest difference being in the equipment used. Players are strapped into small sleds, which have a backrest and 2 skate blades on the bottom. Instead of one long stick, these players use two short sticks with metal picks on one end and a blade on the other. They use the pick end to propel themselves across the ice, and then when it’s time to handle the puck, they just turn their wrists and handle it side to side with the blade ends.

The sleds are high enough off the ice surface that they can pass the puck underneath from side to side. The rest of the equipment is basically the same as standard hockey. . . helmet with face shield, gloves as well as shoulder, leg and elbow pads.

During the game, six players are on the ice including the goaltender and they use the full size ice rink.

Sled Hockey is one of many activities, which can provide players the opportunity to improve endurance, coordination, strength, social skills and more.

Whether at a competitive or non-competitive level of play, sled hockey can aid in improving players attention span, self-confidence and decision making skills. The players gain a sense of belonging and form lasting friendships with which they have something in common. It also teaches them to work with others in a team environment, which is a skill that will aid them throughout life in school and work!

WHO CAN PLAY?
The wonderful thing about sled hockey is that anyone can play. This sport is played by both males and females. It’s a sport that totally integrates players with mobility limitations, amputees, and able-bodied people with knee, leg or hip injuries that limit their participation in standard hockey.

WHAT ARE THE DIVISIONS OF PLAY?
Novice – Beginning players 17˝ years of age and under as of June 30th, of the current year

Juniors – 17˝ years of age and under as of June 30th, of the current year

Adult - 18 Years of age and over

WHAT PHYSICAL FITNESS IS INVOLVED?
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 lower body. The balance used to propel, play the puck, turn and stop gives legs, back, and abdominal muscles a real work out. In fact, paraplegics playing regularly notice an increase in balance when using their wheelchairs

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT IS USED?
Equipment for the sport consists of a tubular framed sledge, about 1.5 meters (4-5 feet) long and approximately 7 cm (3 inches of 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 sledge.
Two half meter (1.5 foot) “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.