There is little difference in sled hockey and stand-up hockey, other than the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades.  There are two sticks for each player instead of one, and the sticks have metal picks on the butt end for players to propel themselves.  Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules and is played on a regulation sized ice rink with standard size nets and puck.  Checking and high-speed slapshots are common features of the sport.  Sled Hockey has the same energy, excitement and thrills as able-bodied hockey!

Sled hockey is played by a wide range of individuals who have a variety of mobility limitations including limb loss, spinal cord injury, spina bifida and anyone who has a permanent disability that limits participation in stand up hockey.  In addition, with the exception of the highest level of competition, non-disabled players are encouraged to participate. 

Team practices are held on Sundays from October through April at Westminster School in Simsbury. Additional practices are scheduled during the week at Northford Ice Pavilion.  Travel games with the NEHSL league are scheduled monthly from September through March.  The team has also travelled to attend the USA Hockey Disabled Festival and the NHL Sled Classic.  The team coaches are USA Hockey Certified Coaches and have specialized training in Sled Hockey.

For a calendar of the Gaylord Wolfpack league games, please visit:
https://www.neshl.org/teams/gaylord-wolfpack-70266

The 2021-2022 home league games will be held on Saturday, September 18 at Champions Skating Center in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Three Wolfpack players, Karen Smith, Kelly Lavoie and Rachel Grusse, have been part of the National Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team, competing in national events and helping to further grow the sport of women’s sled hockey.  Currently, Rachel Grusse, is a member of the US Team.

In 2019, the team competed in the Disabled Hockey Festival in Florida and finished 2nd in the National Championship game.

We joined up with Team USA sled hockey athletes Declan Farmer and Jack Wallace for the 2018 Disabled Hockey Festival in Chicago and won the National Championship in Division B.

The team traveled to Detroit for the Disabled Hockey Festival in April 2016 and placed second in their division. They also became an affiliate of the Boston Bruins and played in the NHL Sled Classic for the first time in November 2016. They again placed second in their division.

We partner with Camp No Limits at Quinnipiac University and help introduce sled hockey to youth with limb loss during their annual summer sports camp.

The team was started in 2003 by Chariots of Hope and transitioned to become a program of the Gaylord Sports Association in 2015. 

We encourage you to try this fast-paced and exciting sport!  It’s not only a great form of exercise and fitness, it’s about building confidence, independence and strength while enjoying the team camaraderie.  Competitive opportunities range from recreational all the way to the USA National Sled Hockey Team and Paralympics.       

Here are some places to get started to learn more about sled hockey:

Gotta Love CT Hockey video with Gaylord Wolfpack and USA Warriors Sled Hockey

Northeast Sled Hockey League

USA Hockey – Sled Hockey

US National Sled Team