Where it all began...
Sledge Hockey was developed in Norway in 1971 to provide the opportunity for children with disabilities to play ice sports. The Norwegian word "sledge" roughly translates into the English world "sled" which is also sometimes used to describe the sport.
While the game has changed since then, the original purpose remains. Sledge hockey has developed into a highly physical game at the international level. Since its inception into the 1994 Paralympics in Lillehammer, Norway, it has quickly become one of the biggest attractions for spectators at the Winter Paralympics.
Rules and Equipment
The rules for Sledge Hockey are the same as able bodied hockey. The game is played with most of the same hockey equipment used in any ice hockey league. In Sledge Hockey, there is a need for protective equipment as the game is fast paced on the sleds with tight turns and high shots of the puck from a seated position. In senior leagues, body checking is allowed.
The equipment for sledge hockey is usually adapted to fit the needs of each athlete. Each player is seated on a sled that is two to four feet long and glides on the ice with two skate blades. The distance from the ice to the top of the frame of the sled must be 8.5 cm to 9.5 cm to keep them from overlapping on contact. A back rest may be used on a sled and straps can be used to fasten the player’s legs and body to the sled. The players use sticks(maximum length is 75 cm) with a pick on one end and a blade on the other for the dual purpose of skating and puck handling.
How much does it cost to play?
The basic Hockey Alberta fee is $36 per participant which includes insurance and registration fees. There is an additional annual player fee of $100 per season that is used to fund road trips, jerseys, equipment and ice time. Partial funding for the Calgary Scorpion's ice time is graciously supplied by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Southern Alberta.