Paid Post

10 Things You Should Absolutely Know About Sled Hockey

Get on the ice. Labatt Blue believes that everyone who loves hockey deserves the chance to play. Learn more about the Pass It Forward initiative today!

Labatt Blue Light Seltzer
by Labatt Blue Light Seltzer

Brand Publisher

1. First things first, Sled Hockey is also called "Sledge Hockey" in many parts of the world.

That's because "sledge" literally translates to "sled" in Norwegian.

2. Sled hockey was invented in the 1960s in Stockholm by people in a rehab center who wouldn’t let their disabilities keep them from the sport they loved playing.

It took decades for the game to gain popularity elsewhere.

3. It's played by any athlete who has limited to no use of their lower extremities.

That includes people who are affected by birth defects, amputations, and spinal cord injuries to name a few.

4. Players sit in uniquely constructed sleds that rest on two blades.

The sled has to be high enough off the ground so a puck can pass underneath it.

5. Because players are closer to the ground, they have to wear a helmet with "a full cage or mask."

No one wants to take a puck to the face.

6. They also use two sticks instead of one...

Both sticks have metal picks on one end to propel the player down the ice, while the other end is a slightly modified stick blade for passing and shooting.

7. ...and except for an altered glove and stick, goalies have pretty much the same equipment as the rest of the team.

There are picks on the butt and heel of a goalie’s stick, which helps them maneuver on the ice, as well as shoot the puck.

8. You can get sent to the box for a different kind of penalty on the ice.

T-boning is when a player purposely rams into a competitors sled perpendicularly.

9. The U.S. National Sled Team is full of awesome guys...

From veterans and survivors, to guys who just wouldn't let anything get in their way, the members of the national team are not to be messed with.

10. ...and for that reason, the team has won numerous accolades, medals, and games.

They're, like, "gold in three of the last four IPC Sled Hockey World Championships and back-to-back Paralympic champions" good.

Labatt Blue is raising awareness and donating funds to grow USA Hockey's Sled Hockey program. Learn more now.

ALWAYS ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Beer. ©2015 Labatt USA, Buffalo NY. All Rights Reserved.

All Images by Bill Wippert and owned by USA Hockey. Any trademarks appearing therein are the property of their respective owners who do not endorse and are not affiliated with Labatt USA.