Original article written by David Phillips

Sled Hockey 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Fast-Paced Adaptive Sport

Equal parts adrenaline and precision, sled hockey brings the full-contact excitement of ice hockey to athletes with physical disabilities. From grassroots leagues to Paralympic gold medals, this adaptive sport is changing lives and redefining what’s possible on the ice. Whether you’re curious about trying it yourself or simply want to learn more, this guide will walk you through the essentials of sled hockey. 

A Brief History of Sled Hockey 

Sled hockey, also known internationally as para ice hockey, was born in the 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden. A group of hockey enthusiasts with physical disabilities wanted to continue playing the sport they loved. They created makeshift sleds using metal frames and skate blades, and the concept quickly took off. 

By 1994, sled hockey made its debut at the Paralympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Since then, it has become one of the most popular and exciting events of the Paralympic Games, with powerhouse teams like the United States and Canada drawing global attention. 

CAF has proudly supported sled hockey athletes for decades, helping ensure that cost, geography, or equipment access does not prevent athletes from experiencing the power of sport. 

Equipment Breakdown: What Makes Sled Hockey Unique 

Sled hockey mirrors traditional hockey in many ways but involves specialized equipment to support athletes with lower-body disabilities: 

• The Sled: Players sit in molded bucket seats mounted to a lightweight metal frame. The sled glides on two ice hockey skate blades, and the spacing between the blades can be adjusted for stability or maneuverability. Beginners often set the blades farther apart to help with balance. 

• The Sticks: Each player uses two short sticks, typically made from wood or carbon fiber. One end has a curved blade for passing and shooting, while the opposite end features metal picks used to dig into the ice and propel the sled forward. 

• Protective Gear: Just like in traditional hockey, players wear helmets with face cages, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, and shin guards. Safety is critical given the sport’s high-contact nature. 

How Sled Hockey Is Played 

On the surface, sled hockey looks like traditional hockey — players take to the ice, pass the puck, set up plays, and check their opponents. But there are unique elements to the game: 

• Games consist of three 15-minute periods with two teams of six players (including the goalie). 

• Checking is allowed, making the sport fast, physical, and highly competitive. 

• T-boning is a sled-specific penalty. This occurs when one sled collides head-on with another at a perpendicular angle, creating a T-shape. The crashes look intense, but sled frames are designed to absorb most of the impact. 

• Skating backward is nearly impossible. Defenders rely on angles, anticipation, and turning quickly to stay in position, adding strategy to the game’s speed. 

Who Can Play Sled Hockey? 

Sled hockey is open to individuals with a permanent lower-body physical disability. That includes a wide range of conditions such as spinal cord injuries, limb differences, and amputations. 

There are recreational and competitive opportunities for: 

• Youth players (as young as 3) 

• Teens and adults 

• Female-specific teams and programs 

Athletes can play in community leagues, move up to regional competition, or aim for national teams. Many start just to try something new — and stay because of the sport’s unmatched camaraderie, speed, and inclusiveness. 

CAF supports athletes at all levels through grant funding, mentorship, and regional clinics. Whether you are looking to get started or aiming to make Team USA, there is a place for you in sled hockey. 

Photo credit: Alessandro Crea. Featured athlete: Nikko Landeros. 

Sled Hockey in the Paralympics 

The U.S. sled hockey team is a global powerhouse. Since the sport’s Paralympic debut, Team USA has taken home multiple medals, including: 

• 1998 Nagano – Bronze 

• 2002 Salt Lake City – Gold 

• 2010 Vancouver – Gold 

• 2014 Sochi – Gold 

• 2018 PyeongChang – Gold 

• 2022 Beijing – Gold 

And the momentum continues heading into the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina. 

CAF-supported athletes such as Nikko Landeros, Jen Lee, and Kevin McKee have played key roles in these victories. 

“The first time I got in a sled, I felt like I could fly again.” — Nikko Landeros 

CAF’s Commitment to Sled Hockey 

CAF is proud to support the sled hockey community by: 

• Awarding grants for equipment and travel 

• Hosting clinics and try-it events for new athletes 

• Elevating the stories of elite competitors and everyday players alike 

Sled hockey equipment can be expensive and highly specialized, but CAF’s support ensures that financial barriers do not prevent athletes from discovering their passion for the sport. 

How to Get Involved 

Interested in trying sled hockey for yourself or someone you know? Here’s how to get started: 

• Apply for a CAF grant to receive sled hockey equipment or offset travel and training costs. 

• Find a local team through USA Hockey’s Sled Directory or reach out to CAF for help locating programs. 

• Join a CAF clinic to experience the sport in a fun, supportive environment. 

Sled hockey is more than a sport. It is a community, a proving ground, and a source of empowerment for athletes with physical disabilities. Whether you are watching Team USA chase another gold medal or strapping into a sled for the very first time, sled hockey offers unforgettable thrills and lasting impact. 

CAF is here to support your journey, on and off the ice. Let’s move together.