For Most of His Life, Kayden Beasley Was Unaware of Sled Hockey – He Is Now a Paralympic Athlete
Kayden Beasley was not particularly passionate about sports during his childhood. He occasionally tossed a football or a Frisbee, but that was the extent of his involvement.
During a doctor’s visit in 2019, when asked if he participated in any adaptive sports, Beasley replied negatively.
On that day, he discovered a sled hockey program located near his hometown of Coats, North Carolina. Soon after, he began playing with the Carolina Hurricanes sled hockey team.
Five years later, Beasley made his debut with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team at the 2024 International Para Hockey Cup. The previous year, he participated in his first World Championship, contributing to the U.S. victory over Canada 6-1 to clinch a gold medal.
“It was the first major tournament I had participated in with the team,” Beasley stated. “It was exciting to be part of that and return to the gold medal. [Canada is] a tough team. We are as well, though.
Beasley and his teammates will begin the Paralympic tournament against the host nation, Italy, on March 7 at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena at 11:05 a.m. ET (CNBC).
What are his expectations for the overall Milan-Cortina experience?
“A larger stage, increased attention, bigger crowds, to be honest,” Beasley mentioned. “But I’m looking forward to it. I know it’s going to be enjoyable, playing hockey, the sport I love, but at the same time, we’re there for hockey.
“It’s just another tournament. That’s my mindset going into it.”
Beasley has experienced significant moments in his brief sled hockey career, including being named U.S. Player of the Game in the team’s semifinal win over Italy in the 2024 International Para Hockey Cup.
“I remember the first goal I scored,” he reflected. “We were in our defensive zone, and I pressured the puck a bit. Declan Farmer took the puck away and created interference behind me, allowing me to score.”
While that goal marked a significant achievement for Beasley, he noted that it is not the most unforgettable game of his career. He mentioned that the most memorable game has yet to occur, but it could happen in Italy.
Beasley is also cognizant of the fact that he has experienced a lot at a young age.
“It’s really exciting to travel to different places and play hockey,” he stated. “Looking back on it in the future, I’ll have a different appreciation for it than I do now.”
The travel aspect is an enjoyable benefit of playing for Team USA, but his favorite aspect of sled hockey is the physical nature of the sport.
“I enjoy the physicality of the sport,” he expressed. “This is a full-contact sport. I appreciate the team camaraderie, being with all the guys and having fun.”
Beasley is one of four players on the U.S. roster who will make their Paralympic debut in Italy. Despite being a 19-year-old newcomer on a seasoned roster, David Hoff, head coach of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team, indicated that he anticipates the teenager will be a vital contributor in the tournament.
“We have utilized Kayden in many challenging situations already in his career,” Hoff remarked. “He possesses a very unique skill set for his age; [he’s] highly skilled offensively.”
Many individuals aspire to reach Beasley’s position as a Paralympian, and he offered straightforward advice to those aiming to achieve that goal.
“Keep working hard,” he advised. “It requires a lot of dedication to get there. Just keep at it.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
