Excitement and Team Spirit Evident at Sled Try Hockey For Free Event in Massachusetts

A small group of 13 skaters in Everett, Massachusetts, attended the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team’s inaugural match at the Paralympics on March 7, which resulted in a 14-1 victory against the host nation, Italy.

Following this, they participated in a 90-minute clinic on the ice.

Among the day’s many memorable moments, one stood out for Elizabeth Dahlen, who coordinated the event.

One participant, a below-knee amputee, experienced sitting in a sled for the first time, assisted by an above-knee amputee who was a few years older.

“They were supporting each other, skating around, and learning the basics,” Dahlen noted. “It was definitely one of those highlights for me.”

Dahlen serves as the program manager for Cape Cod and the network programs manager for Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, which is affiliated with the Mass General Brigham health care system. Spaulding supplied the necessary equipment for those who required it during the Try Hockey For Free event, presented by Discover, at Allied Veterans Skating Rink, the home facility for Spaulding’s sled teams.

Spaulding offers both recreational and competitive teams, with some participants traveling nationwide for national tournaments.

“It’s quite unique because we can provide a program that caters to each individual player’s needs,” Dahlen explained. “We also have competitive opportunities for those players who aspire to advance and can adjust practices and events accordingly.”

Out of the 13 participants at the Try Hockey For Free clinic, seven were experiencing sled hockey for the first time.

“They performed wonderfully,” Dahlen remarked. “We conducted a variety of drills, including full-ice and cross-ice scrimmages. The enthusiasm was infectious. Everyone had huge smiles, truly enjoying the day and the varying levels of play.”

The event featured a good mix of boys and girls.

“I was really pleased with the turnout and the excitement from the kids, as well as how much they were enjoying everything that was happening,” Dahlen stated.

The parents present were also very enthusiastic, Dahlen added.

At one point, players on the ice attempted to set up one girl to score on a small net positioned near the boards where many parents were observing their children. She kept missing due to the small target.

“The moment she scored, everyone began banging on the glass, cheering her on,” Dahlen recounted. “It was as if they had just won gold. The excitement from the parents witnessing their children play was wonderful.”

Dahlen hopes that the newcomers will join the recreational league as they become more familiar with sled hockey. However, this day was focused on the experience of being in a sled for the first time and discovering the sport’s possibilities.

<p“One of the other highlights of that day was a young boy who came, and it was his first time ever in a sled,” Dahlen shared. “We managed to get him into his sled, fitted with a push bar for support, and we kept checking in with his mom since he was definitely the youngest on the ice [6 years old]. We asked, ‘How are you doing, buddy? Are you warm enough? Are you having fun?’ Each time we checked in, he kept saying, ‘More, more. I want more. I want to go fast.’

“Seeing his excitement and enthusiasm, having never been in a sled or tried hockey… it’s always fantastic to raise awareness and encourage more kids to get into sleds and onto the ice.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.