What is Sled Hockey?

Sled (sledge as it's referred to outside the United States) 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.

Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception of 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 and the sticks have metal pics 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.  

A few rinks around the country are sled accessible, one of which is the feature arena at Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex.  Sled accessible rinks allow players to remain in their sleds and skate off the ice into the bench area.  This requires that the bench area is flush with the ice and there is clear plexiglass replacing the white boards. 
​
Sled hockey provides opportunity for many types of disabilities and there are opportunities available in local areas for recreation/competition all the way to the National Sled Team that plays in the Paralympics. Sled hockey is rapidly growing in the US and players are "hooked" once they touch the ice the first time.

Upcoming Event Information

February 20th - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

ABOUT THE EVENT:  
​Open to all people with disabilities over the age of 5, and their families and friends.  No hockey or skating experience required.  Equipment is provided for all participants and instruction is provided by players and coaches from around New York State.   Participants will learn all about the game in a positive environment as well as opportunities to play in the Rochester area.

The event takes place at Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex, with on ice instruction taking place from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.  Immediately following the on ice portion will be an actual game, featuring local and out of town players.  This will provide all participants to see the sport in full action.  

​Pre-registration is required as space is limited.  Each participant is required register for the event through this online portal.

For more information on the event, contact:
Darren Zyra
​​Darren.Zyra@rochesterregional.org 

    Event Pre-Registration

    Ice skating involves certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious personal injury. Use of rental skating equipment also involves certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards which can result in serious personal injury. The skater and the skater’s parent or legal guardian assume and accept all risk of injury while in Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex. All skaters agree to abide by the posted Skater’s Responsibility Code and acknowledge that all skaters skate at their own risk.
    At all times, the skater and the skater’s parent or legal guardian shall be fully liable for personal injury and property damage incurred while in the Facility and the skater and the skater’s parent or legal guardian agree to defend and hold the Facility, its officers, agents and employees harmless against any and all liability for claims, demands and causes of action asserted against the Facility arising from skater’s use of the Facilities or otherwise upon the Premises.