Sled Hockey

About Sled Hockey

Ice sled (or sledge) hockey was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical impairments, wanted to continue playing hockey. The men modified a metal frame sled, or sledge, with two regular-sized ice hockey skate blades that allowed the puck to pass underneath. Using round poles with bike handles for sticks, the men played without any goaltenders on a lake south of Stockholm.

The sport caught on and by 1969, Stockholm had a five-team league that included physically impaired and able-bodied players. That same year, Stockholm hosted the first international ice sledge hockey match between a local club team and one from Oslo, Norway. During the 1970s, teams from these two countries played once or twice a year. Several other countries began to establish teams, including Great Britain (1981), Canada (1982), the U.S. (1990), Estonia and Japan (1993).

Two Swedish national teams played an exhibition match at the inaugural Ornskoldsvik 1976 Paralympic Winter Games in Sweden. However, ice sledge hockey did not become an official event until the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games. Canada, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, the U.S., Japan and Estonia have dominated international competitions, but the sport is growing with club teams now established in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Russia and Korea.

Sled/Sledge vs. Ice Skate Hockey

The Similarities

Protective gear must be worn at all times. This includes helmet with cage or shield, shin guards, shoulder pads, gloves, elbow pads, neck guard and hockey pants.

There are 6 players on the ice at a time for each team: 1 goalie, 3 forwards and 2 defensemen.

Lines are changed either during stoppages or on the fly during play...whichever is needed.

The ice surface, goal net and pucks are all the same.

All of USA Hockey rules apply with some necessary changes due to the nature of the game and it's participants.

The Differences

Instead of skates, players sit in specially designed sleds. These sleds sit on top of 2 hockey skate blades. The spacing and position of the blades is adjustable.
There are 2 sticks for each player instead of one. These sticks are about 1/3 the length of a regulation stick, depending on the size of the player. They also have metal picks on the butt end of the stick, used for propelling the player on the ice.
At most rinks, the bench is inaccessible. Therefore, the players sit on the ice along the boards in front of the benches between the blue line and red line. The same goes for penalties. They sit in front of the penalty box.

Vermont Sled Cats Hockey

Sled Cats and friends at debut game against the Connecticut Wolf Pack

Sled Cats 2008-2009 Practice Schedule

Standard protective hockey gear is required, including helments, gloves and pads. NDAA has a limited supply of gear for loan. Sleds are provided.

A $10 per practice fee is being assessed to help cover ice time rentals. This can be paid in advance or at the door. Scholarships and sliding fees are available. Use the Contact link below to request more information..

Date

Start Time*

End Time

2008

9/28

2:30

4:00

10/12

2:30

4:00

10/26

3:50

4:50

11/2

3:50

4:50

11/30

4:10

5:40

12/14

3:50

4:50

12/28

4:10

5:40

2009

1/4

3:50

4:50

1/18

3:50

4:50

2/1

3:50

5:20

2/15

3:50

5:20

3/1

3:50

5:20

3/15

2:30

4:00

3/29

4:10

5:40