Sled Hockey 101: The Pucks are Flying

By: - [recreation]
Sled or ''Sledge'' Hockey, as it is referred to internationally, is the sit down version of Ice Hockey. It is a high-energy, face paced, literally ''in-your-face'' game and it's easy to see why it is becoming one of the favorite winter Paralympic sports to watch according to Disaboom.com, the largest online community designed for people with disabilities, as well as friends, family and caregivers.

History
Ice sled (sledge) hockey was invented in the early 1960's in Stockholm, Sweden by a few hockey players, who wouldn't let their disability get in the way of doing what they loved. They modified a metal frame sled with two regular-sized hockey skate blades mounted under the sled allowing the puck to pass through. However, it was not until 1994 at the Winter Paralympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway that it became an official event. It is now practiced in 12 countries and is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)

There are many similarities between Sled Hockey and ''stand up'' Hockey and just a few differences. It's great when you can take a sport that so many people love and adapt it with very few modifications.

Similarities
- Protective gear must be worn at all times including a helmet with cage or shield guards, shoulder pads, gloves, elbow pads, neck guard, and hockey pants.
- A standard hockey rink with regulation goals is used.
- Pucks are the same shape and size.
- There are 6 players on the ice for each team (1 goalie, 3 forwards, 2 defenseman)
- Lines are changed either during stoppages or on the fly during play.
- All USA Hockey rules apply with some necessary changes due to the nature of the game and its participants

Differences
- Instead of skates, players sit in specially designed sleds.
- Two shorter sticks are used instead of the regular one.
- At most rinks, the bench is inaccessible. Therefore, the players sit on the ice along the boards in front of the benches between the blue line and red line. The same goes for penalties. They sit in front of the penalty box.
- A game is played with three 15 minute periods rather than the standard three 20 minute periods.

The Equipment
The Sled (Sledge) - Plastic bucket seats are mounted to the aluminum or steel frame and are made for a tight fit. Two standard skate blades are attached to the frame on the bottom and can be adjusted based on the players balance and skill level. A puck must be able to pass underneath. The sled may have a backrest, but it cannot protrude laterally beyond the armpits. Straps also secure the players' feet, ankles, knees and hips to the sled.

The Stick- Two sticks are used. The sticks have a hooked wooden blade at end (for puck handling) and a pick at the other end (for maneuvering on the ice). The sticks used in sled hockey are about 1/3 of the size of a regulation hockey stick. For people who experience grip issues, it is nothing that a little duct tape won't fix.

Disability should not interfere with the exhilaration and experience of playing hockey. To learn more about the sport of sled hockey, equipment needed, sled hockey teams and events, or to find sled hockey references, visit Disaboom.com. Launched in 2007, Disaboom.com is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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