LOCKPORT SLED HOCKEY PROGRAMS

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, except for some of the equipment. Players sit in a seat, called a bucket, on specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player instead of one, 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.

Cornerstone CFCU Arena is one of approximately 25 facilities across the country that is fully 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 affords everyone, able-bodied and disabled, an opportunity to participate.  Competition ranges from recreational, local competitive teams, NHL- sponsored veteran’s team, 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.

Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports (formerly The Sled Hockey Foundation) supports and coordinates adaptive recreation and sports opportunities for people with disabilities, including the great sport of sled hockey.

For more information on their programming, visit: www.SledHockeyFoundation.org