Members of the Crimson Tide hockey team competed against the Boston Shamrocks in a sled hockey game on Sunday, March 1, and the young players learned two essential lessons about the sport: It requires a lot of skill and and tremendous amount of energy.
"We couldn't keep up," said head coach Alex Naumann, who suited up with his players. "We were able to get the puck out of our zone maybe four or five times. Our players had a lot of respect for these athletes going into the game, even more after it was over."
After the game, the players enjoyed a full breakfast prepared by EHS assistant coach Mike Bowdridge.
The Boston Shamrocks Sled Hockey Program is a totally free program based out of the Allied Memorial Veterans Rink in Everett. The Boston Shamrocks play in the Northeast Sled Hockey League, and the team is comprised of both experienced and novice players.
Sledge hockey (known as sled hockey in the United States) is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey. Ice sledge hockey was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation centre. It is currently one of the most popular sports in the Paralympics Games.
The Boston Shamrocks hold free sled hockey sessions for those who would like to put their disabilities on ice, grab a sled and a couple of sticks and experience sled hockey for either their first time or their hundredth time. Parents, kids, teenagers and their family members with and without disabilities are also welcome to try out sled hockey for free! Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and USA Hockey have provided the Boston Shamrocks Sled Hockey program with sleds and sticks and Orange Leaf of Lexington has donated helmets, gloves and ice time.
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