by Terry Moakley

Action Sled’s Hurricane (top) and Team sleds for sled hockey. Photo courtesy of Action Chairs (www.actionchairs.com)

Anybody who happened to see the Arts & Entertainment network broadcast in the Winter of 2002 of the scintillating USA Paralympic Sled Hockey team gold medal victory in Salt Lake City recognized that speed was king. Those players flew around the ice! They were able to move quickly because of the lightweight sledge construction and adjustable blades. A lot of practice and serious training regimens contributed to their athleticism, too.

As in many sports, equipment selection is important in sled hockey. The United States Sled Hockey Association, affiliated with USA Hockey, is a good starting point to learn all about sleds, sticks, and picks: log on at www.usahockey.com/ussha// and click on the Equipment Suppliers section.

We visited a number of product links and we found a recurring theme: customization. People who use wheelchairs or other ambulation prostheses don’t come in “one size fits all,” and this principle applies to sleds, too. Some of the links are to e-mail addresses to request information but three companies have active websites where you can check out all the sled possibilities.

At www.actionchairs.com, the website of a Michigan-based company, information is available about their “Hurricane” sledge, constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and featuring adjustable blade width—standard at three inches wide but adaptable to widths between two and five inches. According to experienced sled hockey players, the ability to narrow the width between the two skate blades is critical for maneuverability and speed. The Hurricane sledge’s leg rests come in a variety of colors, too. Their website emphasizes that each Hurricane is custom-built, so contact Action Chairs on their site or at 734-925-2993.

The state of Illinois is the home of Cain Tubular Products Inc., caintubular.com/sled.htm, makers of the “Predator” which is described as the most adaptable sled available today. Instead of manufacturing a custom-built sled for each buyer, this company builds lightweight and interchangeable components and lets the end-user set up the sled to his/her preference. The position of the blades, the seat, and the frame itself is adjustable. The Predator is also touted as the most affordable sled on the market because of its adaptable component construction. Cain Tubular Products can be contacted on their site or at 630-584-5330.

Unique Inventions Inc., www.uniqueinventionsinc.com/, out of Ontario, Canada, offers a large assortment of sledges and related products. The “G Force” is their top of the line, but their most popular model is the “Rev 1X.” Both appear to be for the avid sled hockey player, and they are available with blades adjustable down to just one inch in width.

Unique also manufactures two recreational sleds, one named the “Icey 1” and a second “specialty” sled. It has a high back and a push handle and it seems perfect for a non-hockey playing youngster or adult with a disability who just wants to have fun in the snow or on the ice. Unique’s phone number is 888-886-0881, and like Action Chairs, they recommend direct contact for sledge customization.

Whether you are a budding Paralympian or you simply want to experience the thrill of sledding down a hillside, you truly can “just do it.”