Disabled Army Vets Find Joy in Hockey 

   Special hockey programs have been established over 30 cities in the United States.  The goal of special hockey is to give people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of ice hockey in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability.  The athletes play upright and in most cases offsides, icing, penalties etc. are not part of gameplay. Special Hockey emphasizes players to have fun through teamwork, social interaction, and improving the quality of life through on and off ice activities.

Special hockey serves a wide range of disabilities and there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the sport.  Many teams also provide a mentor program in which coaches and volunteers assist the players with important skills for everyday life.  There is competition available when interested as well as various camps throughout the year.
 

Disabled Hockey Programs are supported by USA Hockey across the nation and prove that hockey is for everyBody.  These programs are divided into four "disciplines."  The four disciplines are: Standing/Amputee, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Sled, and Special Hockey.

April 13-15, 2012 - Dallas, TX

The 8th annual USA Hockey National Disabled Festival will place April 13-15, 2012 in Dallas, Texas area. The Festival encompasses all 4 disciplines of disabled hockey which includes deaf/hard of hearing hockey, special hockey, sled hockey and standing/amputee hockey.

This year the Adult Sled Hockey National Championship will be a part of the Festival. Please make sure to read through the links which contain additional information needed to register & qualify for the Adult Sled National Championship.
>>> 2012 Sled Nationals Rules, Adult Roster & Ranking Form, Player Waiver & Addition Form.

Mark your calendar now as this is the largest gathering of disabled hockey athletes anywhere in the world.

The USA Disabled Hockey Section has a great program, called the One Kid . . .One Sled . . .One Shot. . .A Hockey Player for Life! Program that is designed to help bring new players into the sport of sled hockey by initiating a loaner sled program for rinks and organizations who want to conduct “Learn to Play Sled Hockey” clinics but were prevented from doing so due to the lack of sleds and sticks needed to conduct such introductory clinics.

The One Kid . . .One Sled . . .One Shot. . .A Hockey Player for Life! Program is easy to implement. If your rink or organization would like to conduct a “Learn to Play Sled Hockey” clinic, simply fill out the request form located below and submit. Applications will be determined on a first come-first serve basis. The sleds and sticks will be shipped directly to the rink you are conducting the clinic at three days before the date of the clinic. You are then required to ship the sleds back within three days after the conclusion of the clinic. All shipping charges will be paid by USA Hockey. It’s that simple!

This new One Kid . . .One Sled . . .One Shot. . .A Hockey Player for Life! Program will allow your rink or organization to open the doors to a whole new market of potential sled players. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and start a sled program within your rink or organization today!

Click Here for Sled Lending Application Form

It is quite easy to qualify for this program. Applicants must submit a  Sled Grant Application Form , the new sled program must be in its first year of operation and a financial statement and/or budget must accompany the application.