Soldiers and marines disabled in Iraq and Afghanistan will receive specialized on-ice instruction at Skatetown Ice Arena from a Paralympic Gold Medalist on sled hockey basics and have the opportunity to play a competitive game of sled hockey. There is no charge to watch the 2:15-3:45pm clinic and game. Please join us to celebrate the abilities of our honored guests.
Sled hockey is an exciting ice sport that allows individuals with disabilities to enjoy the sport of ice hockey. It is very similar to 'stand-up hockey' in terms of concept and rules. The key difference is that instead of standing up to skate, participants sit on their skates using an adaptive device known as a sled. Sled hockey is played mainly by people with various lower extremity disabilities. Players use their arms to propel themselves by digging the picks on the ends of two short hockey sticks into the ice and pulling themselves forward.
This sled hockey event is part of a 6-day Wounded Warrior Sports Rehabilitation Camp. Along with sled hockey, the camp includes paddle sports, whitewater rafting, fly fishing and archery. The goal of the camp, conducted by Disabled Sports USA Far West, is to demonstrate how sports can help soldiers and marines cope with their disabilities and adapt to everyday life.
Ice time for sled hockey is being donated by Skatetown Ice Arena.
Their Spirit Inspires: http://www.dsusafw.org/event.spirit.shtml
Disabled Sports USA Far West: www.disabledsports.net