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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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