National Disability Organization Joins Wheelchair Sports of Tampa Bay To Host Sled Hockey Clinic
Members of the United Spinal Rangers and the United Spinal Islanders sled hockey teams, co-sponsored by the United Spinal Association and the New York Rangers and New York Islanders, respectively, will be hosting a sled hockey clinic in conjunction with Wheelchair Sports of Tampa. The clinic is a 3-day event and will take place at the Sunblades Ice Arena on the following dates:
Friday, February 10th: 5:15pm–7:15pm
Saturday, February 11th: 2:40pm–3:50pm
5:15pm–9:15pm
Sunday, February 12th: 8:10am–9:10am
The clinic targets children and adults with physical disabilities in the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas and will focus on the fundamentals of sled hockey such as setting up the sled, picking (propelling the sled), passing, and shooting.
United Spinal’s sled hockey program is one of the most competitive in New York, boasting two players from the USA National Junior Team, which won gold in Sweden in 2005, two starters from the 1998 USA National Team that competed in Nagano, Japan during the 1998 Paralympics, members from other USA National teams, as well. New recruits have also shown great promise and added depth to the teams. Several dozen people with disabilities, including children, have been introduced to the sport through United Spinal.
Sled hockey allows individuals with physical disabilities to enjoy an adaptive version of traditional ice hockey, with similar concepts and rules. The main difference is that, instead of standing, competitors sit on an adaptive device known as a sled, which is fitted with two skate blades and a runner in front, forming a tripod. Players also employ two shortened hockey sticks with a pick (similar to the tip of a figure skate) on one end, which enables them to propel themselves across the ice, similar to cross country skiing. Checking and high-speed slap shots are common features of the sport.
United Spinal Association is dedicated to enhancing the lives of all individuals with spinal cord injury or disease by ensuring quality health care, promoting research, advocating for civil rights and independence, educating the public about these issues, and enlisting its help to achieve these fundamental goals. Guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for able-bodied athletes, the Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs. For more information call our toll free number 800-404-2898.