Declan Farmer Values His Paralympic Experience

Prior to the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team’s first match against the host nation Italy in Milano Cortina, Declan Farmer, the all-time leading scorer for Team USA, made a confident assertion regarding this year’s team.

“We’ve elevated our standards significantly,” Farmer stated. “If this 2026 squad faced off against our 2018 gold-medal-winning team, we would likely win 8-0. We have improved tremendously.”

Farmer is well-qualified to comment. The Tampa, Florida, native is now a four-time Paralympian and has been a part of both teams.

As the first U.S. sled hockey player to reach 200 goals, Farmer joined the national team at the age of 14, two years before making his Paralympic debut in 2014. Now at 28, he has dedicated half of his life to representing Team USA.

The circumstances were quite different when he initially became part of the national team.

“It was more like the ‘Wild West’ back then,” Farmer remarked, “where professionalism was lacking.”

Farmer noted that it was a struggle for survival not only for the program but for the U.S. Paralympic Movement as a whole. He credited 33-year-old Josh Pauls from Green Brook, New Jersey, a five-time Paralympian and long-time team captain who served as the flag bearer for Team USA during the Paralympics Opening Ceremony on March 6, for maintaining stability.

“He’s been a key figure in leading that cultural transformation,” Farmer stated.

This year’s team boasts a wealth of Paralympic experience, featuring veterans like Jen Lee, Kevin McKee, and Brody Roybal, all competing in their fourth Games.

Additionally, the team has only four newcomers at these Games, marking its lowest number ever.

Farmer expressed that he and his fellow experienced teammates have enjoyed mentoring the younger players and guiding them. The team has prioritized spending time together before the Games to foster team chemistry.

“We have a motto on this team: ‘Reservation for 17,’” Farmer explained. “We engage in many activities together. The younger players interact with the veterans frequently. Everyone enjoys each other’s company. We maintain a respectful atmosphere.”

Even after all these years, Farmer stated that the Paralympic experience remains fresh for him.

“I appreciate it more with each occasion,” Farmer remarked. “I invest more of my life into it each season. It’s always about striving for the next goal, never resting on past achievements. My motivation is to perform at my best; I’m still in the prime of my career.”

Farmer mentioned that the Americans aim for consistency in their training to advance the sport.

“The only way this movement progresses is if the sport itself continues to elevate in skill and competitiveness,” Farmer stated. “It needs to be engaging for spectators. It cannot solely be an inspirational endeavor.”

Farmer expressed confidence that the U.S. team has adequately prepared for these Games, which was evident during their opener against Italy.

Although the Italians surprised the U.S. by scoring just 25 seconds into the match, the Americans quickly responded with 14 consecutive goals. Farmer netted four of those goals and provided assists on two others.

“It’s about reaching your highest level of individual performance at the right time,” Farmer noted. “Now, it’s about peaking as an individual when it matters most.”

Pauls concurred that the Americans are ready for the tournament.

How does this team stack up against previous U.S. Paralympic teams?

“Clearly, the game has progressed since 2010,” Pauls stated. “This team skates exceptionally well, but if there’s one area where we excel, it’s defense. It’s been quite challenging in practice to penetrate the middle of the ice and reach scoring zones.

“It’s impressive when we have the opportunity to collaborate for seven weeks and refine the finer aspects of the game, particularly the mental components. It reflects the next stage of development for the team.”

Pauls expressed admiration for his current teammates.

“They’ve elevated the game to new heights,” Pauls remarked. “They can maneuver pucks effectively, chip them around opponents, and find open space. The mental aspect of the game is at a significantly higher level compared to just eight years ago. I find it remarkable what these players have accomplished.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.

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