The Northern Sliders are not your regular hockey team. There are six players to a team, sticks, a puck, and the object of the game is to score on the other teams goal just like regular hockey. The teams head out on the ice every week to practice and the players love the adrenaline rush the sport of hockey provides. The only difference is that these players are playing Sledge Hockey.
Sledge Hockey players are not on skates but rather, they are strapped into a uniquely designed sled that allows them to propel themselves around the ice with the help of two 3-foot long modified hockey sticks equipped with picks in the butt ends. The sledge sticks are also used to shoot and pass the puck and the game uses the rules and discipline structure of regular hockey. This sport allows players with physical disabilities to get out on the ice to play the sport they love.
Back in 2000, June and Jack Raymond formed the first Sledge Hockey Game in Sudbury. June was looking for a way to modify the game of hockey so that her son, who has Spina Bifida, could participate. She read about Sledge Hockey and the couple began to organize games of pick-up hockey with friends and family. The sport quickly became immensely popular and the group formed into a non-profit organization and began a competitive league.
The Northern Sliders have developed a Novice and Junior Division and are regularly competing in tournaments across the province. Their policy is to give opportunity to all players regardless of age of skill level. The teams win often and even when they dont the kids still come out on top for this game has given these individuals a chance to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
