Sled (Sledge) Hockey Fun

In last Monday's class we took part in a cool (no pun intended) sport called sled hockey. As I have since found out it is referred to as "sledge" hockey outside of the United States. Of course we did not have access to an indoor hockey rink so we had to simulate the sport in a basketball gym. We sat Indian style on some round objects with rollers (sorry, do not know a technical name), had some sticks that look like mini fighting batons, and used a ball as a puck. Needless to say it was not very easy at first. Before we get into details about our experience I want to go over some of the specifics about sled hockey.

According to the USA Hockey website, sled hockey was started in Sweden in the late 1960s. Hockey being a popular sport in that county, a group of individuals with disabilities wanted a way to continue participating the sport. The actual sled sits atop two hockey blades with space for the athlete's legs to be strapped in in front of them. There is enough room between the blades and the front of the sled to allow the puck to pass underneath the sled. Most of the equipment was designed to be as similar to regular hockey equipment as possible. The players use shortened hockey sticks (one for each hand) that also double as propelling devices. The sticks have picks on the butt end to allow the players to move around. Other than that it is hockey as we know it.

After playing our version for just a few minutes I started to think that it may actually be easier on ice. Our make shift sticks did not provide much grip on the hardwood floor so most of us were using our hands to get around. I doubt the school would have looked to kindly on us using picks to dig into the wood for traction. Since none of us could move around very swiftly this made precise passes all the more difficult. When it got time to shoot for a goal you could see the extreme concentration on our faces as we tried to bat the ball past the goalie. I am surprised anyone made a goal as we only had about a foot (seemed like six inches though) on either side of the goalie. This did make things very interesting and after awhile we ended up changing the teams since one team was obviously adapting quicker than the other.

I would love the chance to try this sport out on ice. I have never played regular ice hockey before and can only skate good enough not to fall so I think sitting down would be more my style. Also, having the picks on the stick to help you move around would be a big plus. I imagine sled hockey players would have to have strong core muscles as I noticed this area was working very hard to keep me balanced the whole time. Just like any sport, disability or not, there is always a learning curve, but I am sure after giving sled hockey a shot anyone would want to do it again and again.

Tonight we will be starting some wheelchair sports. Someone (when I find out his name I will give him credit) who has actually competed in the Paralympics is coming in to share his experience and teach us a thing or two over the next couple of weeks. It should be very interesting and I look forward to sharing what we learn.