Sled Hockey

Sled Hockey

If your looking for an exciting
opportunity to play a sport that many
of your friends have enjoyed for years,
you have to check out Sled Hockey or
"sledge hockey" as it is often referred
to in Canada and other parts of the
world.

Founded in Sweden in the early 1960’
s, and added as an official Paralympic
sport to the 1994 Winter games in
Lillehammer, Norway. Sled Hockey is
quickly becoming the sport of choice
for many disabled athletes.

The game differs from ice hockey only
in equipment and period length.

The Game

Unless there is a penalty, 6 players on
the ice for each team; 3 forwards, 2
defensemen, and a goalie. Substitutes
may be made when play is stopped, or
on the fly. Period length is 15 minutes
instead of the normal 20 minutes.

Sled Hockey is played on a regulation
sized ice rink with standard size nets
and puck. Be prepared to get some
good exercise when you play the game!

The Equipment

Don’t kid yourself, sled hockey is a full
contact sport and protective gear must
be worn at all times: helmet with a full-
face mask, shoulder pads, shin
guards, elbow pads, neck guard and
hockey gloves are mandatory. Hockey
pants, kidney pads, and shoulder pad
extensions, while not mandatory, are
recommended for additional protection.

The Stick

Instead of just one stick, players use
two sticks to pass and
shoot the puck, as
well as propel
themselves down the
ice.

The sticks are much shorter than a
regulation hockey stick and the angle
of the blades is less
severe. The butt end
of each stick has
a metal “pic” attached
to each side.

The Sled

Typically, sled frames are made of
aluminum with varying lengths
depending on the player’s size and in
some cases the length is adjustable to
allow different players to use the same
sled.

Plastic Buckets are mounted at the
back of the frame and often are
adjustable, or custom made, to ensure
a tight fit. Standard skate blades are
attached to a frame on the bottom of
the sled. Blades typically can be
moved forward and aft to adjust the
center of gravity and in some cases
the distance between the blades can
be adjusted; based on the riders
balance and skill level.

A foot guard and leg rest, standard
equipment and available in team colors
with the purchase of a custom or Team
sled from Mobility Sports protects the
feet and keeps the legs off the ice.

There is also a runner on the front of
the frame, which keeps the front end
off the ice and also prevents the sled
from riding on top of another sled.

To perform at your best, it is
necessary to become one with the sled
and while straps and belts are normally
used to maintain proper body position,
duct tape has become the strap of
choice for many players. Two straps
on the bucket and one to maintain foot
position are included with all Custom
and Team sleds from Mobility Sport.