New York Rangers and United Spinal Co-Sponsor New Sled Hockey Team

by Danny Perry

Over the past few years, United Spinal Association has been working hard at obtaining sponsorship from professional sports franchises for its adaptive sports teams. Already onboard are the New York Mets, New York Jets, New York Islanders and the New Jersey Nets. The New York Rangers are the newest franchise to step up, as they will be sponsoring one of the Association’s two sled hockey teams. The arrangement, like the ones the Association has with the other franchises, will allow the adaptive team to use the Rangers name and logo.

Back in August, the Association approached the Rangers about the prospect of sponsoring a sled hockey team, but to no avail. Gary Springer, who is the father of Nick, a player on the team, was then able to set up a meeting with the Rangers’ Marketing Director. Soon afterward, the arrangement was completed. The sled hockey team’s goal is to compete in tournaments in the near future, as well as help develop the sport up north to Canada. Although it’s going to take time, the Rangers’ name recognition should help the latter goal come to fruition.

As a way of inviting the sled hockey team into the family, the Rangers asked them to put on a short demonstration of the adaptive sport during an intermission of a game. On December 7 during the Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning game, the sled hockey team displayed shooting and skating skills, to the admiration of the thousands in attendance.

“The response we received from the crowd was very positive,” stated Victor Calise, the sled hockey team captain. “By having a large crowd see us perform, it not only helps us publicize the sport, it also helps dispel the myth that people with disabilities can’t be athletes.”

Although the relationship between the Association and the New York Rangers is in its infancy stage, the hockey franchise seems enthusiastic about helping the sled hockey team achieve its goals. Calise is confident that the Rangers’ sentiments are genuine and hopes that their relationship grows in the future. “In time,” he says, “we are hoping to be able to get involved in their community relations efforts as well.”

Danny Perry is Public Affairs Officer.