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Brief History
Sled hockey is an exciting alternative sport that uses
the rules of hockey. Sled hockey began in the early 1960's in Stockholm
Sweden. It moved to the United States in 1989 and Colorado joined those
ranks in 1995. Sled Hockey has been a Paralympic sport since 1994, with
Team
USA earning the Gold medal in 2002 and the Bronze medal in 2006.
Players use the same equipment as in "stand-up" hockey with the
exception of the skates. Instead, they use a sled which consists of a
cushioned seat mounted on a tubular sled that has skate blades and a
center pivot underneath. The player sits four inches above the ice and
is held into the sled with Velcro straps. Two shortened hockey sticks
are used to handle the puck as well as propel the player across the
ice. If a player is unable to move across the ice then a "pusher",
someone to help with the movement of the sled, may be used for
assistance.
The wonderful thing about sled hockey is that anyone can play. Legal
body contact and raised puck shooting are as much a part of sled hockey
as they are traditional hockey. Both males and females play this
sport. It is a sport that totally integrates players with mobility
limitations, amputees, and able-bodied people with knee, leg, or hip
injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and spinal injuries that
would limit their participation in standard hockey. Sled hockey is one
of the many activities which can provide players the opportunity to
improve endurance, coordination, strength, social skills and more.
Whether at a competitive level or recreational 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!
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Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. Most parent will ask "Is sled hockey too physical
for my child with a disability?"
That was my first thought when I read a pamphlet about sled hockey at the
prosthetics office. I wasn't sure it was a "safe" sport for my son who was
9 and a bilateral below knee amputee. Coaches teach players to avoid sled to
sled collisions, and are taught sportsmanship and respect for players, and
coaches. However, some physicality is involved as is in any hockey game.
All players are required to wear USA Hockey approved safety gear, including
helmets. We make every effort to make adaptations to equipment to maximize
safety, even outriggers on the sleds to prevent tipping during early learning.
2. Isn't hockey expensive with all that equipment and
ice and coaches?
Not Colorado Springs Sled Hockey. CSSHA has worked hard to keep the fee
reasonable with fund raising, grants and sponsorships. The first year
registration for USA Hockey is free for players with disabilities. The use
of the sleds during practice is free, ice time is free, coaches are free.
We have new and used safety gear available to borrow though we ask players to
buy their own safety equipment if they stay with the sport. All non
disabled and second year players are required to pay a yearly fee to USA Hockey
(youth $50; adults $35). Scholarship money is available in certain cases
to help with the USA Hockey fee.
3. How far can a player go in sled hockey, what's the
future?
Players who are serious and dedicated could go to competitive youth and adult
games and tournaments (subject to coach’s approval) or all the way to the
Paralympics. Players can learn the basic here in Colorado Springs. Colorado
Sled Hockey in Denver has a youth and adult program on Saturdays that is open/no
additional charge to our players. Colorado Springs youth play recreational
games with the Denver squad.
Denver's adult team won the Sled Classic Tournament in the fall of 2010.
Two youth players from Denver, ages 12 and 16, were on that team because they
were so good. Several youth players, one from Colorado Springs, age 12,
and one from Denver, also age 12, were invited to USA Sled Hockey camp by
national coaches. This camp is where they learned to improve their skills
and maybe try out for the National team. Last year, 2 youth players
from Colorado Springs joined Denver's youth sled hockey team to compete in the
National USA Disabled Hockey Festival in Laurel, MD.
Additionally, Nikko, one of the Denver team players has a gold medal around his
neck from the Vancouver Paralympics, and Tyler from the Denver team, is on the
USA National team.
Some players will progress, some will just enjoy being on a recreational
team, and if they choose, all will have a life sport to keep them healthy and
strong.
4. How old is too old for sled hockey?
There’s no age limit for sled hockey - Arthur, from the Colorado Springs
team, is 55, and Denni, from Denver, is near 60. It keeps them young and
strong!
5. So just what are the benefits of sled hockey?
Sled hockey gives a person with mobility disabilities the chance to
develop strong core muscles, improve balance, improve upper body strength, as
well as improve all the physical abilities they do have. Staying physically
active leads to better health, avoiding obesity, high blood pressure,
as we age is important for all of us regardless of having a disability or not.
Sled use leads to extreme fun, more friends and other activities like swimming,
hand cycling, skiing, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, wheelchair
track, kayaking, etc.
6. Do I have to have a disability to do sled skating/ sled
hockey?
We won't discriminate if you don't have a disability. Once in a sled it
doesn't matter if you have working legs or not. Sled skating levels the
playing field. For some tournaments and competitive games it may be
required that you have a disability. Our team has family and friends
without a disability who play together.
7. How will I know if it's a good activity for me, for my
particular situation?
Come out and watch a practice and talk to us. Come to a free fun sled
skating day. Pushers are available for sled hockey players
with limited arm use. The first year for players with disabilities is
free.
8. How do I start?
Fill out the new player registration form on the web site
www.cssha.org/join_us.htm . Stop by a practice and see
if it’s something you might want to try. We have safety gear for you to
get in a sled. You will be asked to sign up with USA Hockey to allow you
on the ice but it is free. You can also call Teresa Lundquist 719-382-5013
or email ptlundquist@msn.com and
ask questions.
9. What types of disabilities do the players have?
Our players have the following disabilities: cerebral palsy, spina bifida,
leg amputee, Perthes hip disease, proximal femoral focal disorder, brain injury,
hemiplegia, Marie Charcot Tooth disease (MD), low tone, hip disorders,
paraplegia, incomplete quadriplegia.
10. What if I don’t like the hockey game but like skating?
You can enjoy learning sled skating. Some of the skills will be the
same. You don’t have to participate in the hockey drills but you might
come to like the challenge.
Corey Fairbanks, Colorado Sled Hockey, says:
Benefits For Every Participant
For Colorado's disabled population, sled hockey is unique in that it is a true
out-of-chair experience. For many, the freedom of movement on the ice is an
exhilarating sensory experience. For all, it is an environment that is totally
different from their daily lives. Sled hockey is outstanding physical
exercise, an important component of both mental and physical well being. It is a
fun way to integrate a new activity into the lifestyle of a handicapped person.
With team-building, practice and constant interaction, sled hockey allows the
disabled to focus outside themselves, enjoy being part of a group and build
social skills. Finally, sled hockey is an excellent way for the players to
become more self-reliant, build self-esteem and gain confidence that translates
to every aspect of their lives. At any level of participation, sled hockey
is a game with a difference, contributing to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
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