About Sledge Hockey

About Sledge hockey

Sledge hockey, also known as para ice hockey or sled hockey, was invented in Stockholm Sweden in the 1960’s. It was created to allow people with a physical disability to play ice hockey. Anyone can play sledge hockey but you must have a permanent disability to play on the national team.

Players sit in a plastic bucket on an aluminum frame with 2 skate blades attached to the bottom the of the frame. Players use two short sticks with a pick on the end of each stick to push the sledge on the ice. Players wear hockey gear and follow similar rules as traditional ice hockey.

How sledge hockey came to Yellowknife

Sledge hockey was introduced to Yellowknife in 2011 when the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team came to the north for a development camp. Yellowknife Minor Hockey Association has supported sledge hockey for the past 5 years by helping Riley Oldford enjoy the sport in the regular league on his sledge.

During the 2016-17 season, YKMH helped organize ice time for sledge hockey and is continuing to provide ice time support for the upcoming 2017-18 season. There are currently 13 sledges in Yellowknife thanks to private donations and the support of local businesses.

YKMHA has partnered with Hockey North. We are excited to announce we will be able to expand the program this year thanks to a generous grant from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Fund/Canadian Paralympic Committee! We will purchase additional equipment and bring Team Canada Paralympic athletes, Derek Whitson and Tyler McGregor to Yellowknife for a weekend camp.

If you are interested in trying sledge hockey or would like to know more about the sport please contact us at yksledgehockey@gmail.com.

The sledges will also be available for any YKMHA teams to try once the new sledges arrive!