USA Hockey Foundation

USA Hockey: How long have you been playing sled hockey?

Hughes: I started playing in 2012. I went to college at the University of Minnesota Duluth and it was within the first week of school that I met someone named Ezra —he actually plays on the team with me now. He came up to me and we were both looking for an elevator. He asked me if I ever thought about playing hockey. I was wondering why he was asking, since we were both in wheelchairs, but then he told me about sled hockey and brought me out to practice.

USA Hockey: What was your first reaction to trying sled?

Hughes: I was nervous. I played soccer growing up, so I had no idea really what I was doing. I wasn’t terrible, much to my surprise, and Ezra said he thought I should stick with it. The Minnesota Wild team is all men, and then myself. I was intimidated because it’s guys twice my size and sled hockey is a full-checking sport.

USA Hockey: Since jumping into a new sport, did you carry over any skills you used in soccer?

Hughes: I think just that mentality of being an athlete. You just kind of have that competitive spirit. I definitely missed that after I thought my days of sports were over, so I was excited to find something else to keep me busy and competitive.

USA Hockey: You joined into the team being the only woman. What’s the dynamic like playing with a group of guys?

Hughes: It was scary, but now I just feel like I have a bunch of big brothers. I love it and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Obviously we try to get more girls out for the sport, and it’s still growing. We’re really trying to grow the sport for girls — and it’s tough — but I think just showing girls there is a team out there and there are girls that play hockey, I think that’s encouraging.

USA Hockey: How special is it to have the support of USA Hockey?

Hughes: Obviously it’s incredible. It’s USA Hockey, so to put on a red, white and blue jersey, it’s surreal just to be able to do that. Thinking you could never play sports again to putting on that jersey, it’s incredible.

USA Hockey: What’s your favorite part about being part of a sled hockey team?

Hughes: Probably just that it lets me be competitive. Because I thought I couldn’t play soccer anymore, I thought I would never get to play sports again. It’s great that there are outlets for adaptive athletes and things to keep us busy and active. We can all come out on the ice and we’re on a level playing field again.

USA Hockey: Any important lessons you’ve learned?

Hughes: Just to give anything a try. I really was afraid to try sled hockey and didn’t think I’d like it. Obviously, I love it and I’m glad I tried it. There’s a lot of opportunity out there, so it’s just about giving everything a try, even if you’re afraid to do it.