“Wings of Steel” sled hockey players soar on the ice
When the South Jersey "Wings of Steel" sled hockey team takes the ice at the Sovereign Bank Flyers Skate Zone — watch out! The fact that the players are physically challenged doesn't slow them down at all. Sitting on specially designed sleds with leg extensions, seatbelts and skating blades on the bottom; the children zip across the ice, crash into the boards and enthusiastically shoot to score.
A life changing moment
Amazing athletes
What is sled hockey?
Unstoppable spirit
To learn more
A life changing moment
"The kids are simply amazing," says Tom Brake, a plant engineer at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees and head coach of the "Wings of Steel" for the past three years. Brake's life changed in 2000 when he was asked to referee a sled hockey game. Having been involved in ice hockey for more than 30 years, Brake saw the sled hockey players and thought they deserved the same opportunity as any other athlete — to play the sport they love. That's when he began the "Wings of Steel" team and has dedicated his time ever since.
Amazing athletes
"So many sled hockey players are natural athletes who are just incredible on the ice," says Brake, who is also vice president of the Atlantic District Sled Hockey Program. "They are disabled from the waist down, but they have enormous upper body strength." To play, the children use two short sticks — one end has an ice pick for pushing across the ice and the other has a hockey blade for maneuvering the puck.
The "Wings of Steel" are one of five youth sled hockey teams that make up the Atlantic District Sled Hockey Program, which encompasses New Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania and Delaware. Thanks to corporate and private donations, all costs associated with the "Wings of Steel" team are covered for each player.
What is sled hockey?
The program is designed for disabled and injured youth who want to participate in a sport and compete with a team. Sled hockey, which was started in Norway in 1971, follows the same basic rules as standard ice hockey with legal body contact and raised puck shooting.
The sport is truly an integrated alternative to standard ice hockey. Players consist of girls and boys under age 17 and adults over 18 who have mobility limitations or who are amputees, as well as able-bodied people with knee, leg or hip injuries that limit their participation in standard hockey.
Unstoppable spirit
Like any good coach, Brake often pats the kids' helmets, encouraging them and their athletic abilities. But none of them need special treatment on the ice. "Every one of these kids is remarkable," says Brake.
The "Wings of Steel" team provides a wonderful and refreshing example of the determination, teamwork and spirit that is not always evident in youth sports organizations today. Their dedication is obvious during team practice. The sport requires a lot of upper body strength and the sleds are difficult to balance, but the players are undeterred as they glide, check and score.
As the parents watch their children practice, they too show their team spirit and camaraderie. Together, they support each other and the team, helping all the kids gear up, strap in and take off. And as their kids glide across the ice, it's obvious that strength and dedication run in the family.
To learn more
For more information about Sled Hockey, to find a team in your area, or to attend a practice, contact Tom Brake, Atlantic District Vice President at 856-784-7738 or e-mail sledhockey@verizon.net.