Sled hockey was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960's by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical disability, wanted to continue playing hockey. It was introduced at the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Games and the US won its first Paralympic medal in the sport - gold medal - at the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games.
Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player, instead of one, and the sticks have metal picks on the butt end for players to propel themselves. Goalies wear basically the same equipment but do make modifications to the glove. Metal picks are sewn into the backside to allow the goalie to maneuver. Sled Hockey is an exciting and physical game.
This year's event will once again take place at the Tupper Lake Memorial Civic Center, in Tupper Lake, NY. The Tupper Lake Civic Center has played host to this tournament for the last five years and offers an accessible environment for the tournament.
The tournament will take place Friday, January 31 through Sunday, February 2. Games will take place all day with a Gold, Silver and Bronze team declared on the final day. Details pertaining to the Gold and Bronze game will be realized soon.
REGISTRATION FEES*
$70 per athlete
*Registration fee includes athlete gift.
REFUNDS
Entry fees are nonrefundable. While registering, please double-check the competition dates and qualification requirements. A refund may be considered in the case of a medical emergency, depending on the circumstances.