What Is Sled Hockey?
Sled hockey (also called sledge hockey) is an adaptive form of ice hockey designed for players with physical disabilities affecting the lower body. Players sit in specially designed sleds mounted on two hockey skate blades and use two short sticks to propel themselves and handle the puck.
History of Sled Hockey
Sled hockey was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden, at a rehabilitation center. It has been a Paralympic sport since the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway.
Rules & Gameplay
The rules closely mirror standard ice hockey: three periods of 15 minutes, same rink dimensions, same goals, offsides, and icing. The main difference is the equipment and mode of movement.
Who Plays Sled Hockey?
Sled hockey is for people with physical disabilities affecting the lower body, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, cerebral palsy, and more. Many programs also welcome able-bodied players.