2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge

by Bryan Wright

Yesterday I attended my first ever sledge hockey game, between Canada and Japan at the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge.  The event is being played at the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, sledge hockey players sit on a small metal frame, which sits on two skate blades on the ice.  They each have two small hockey sticks with a normal curve on one end for shooting and passing, and small metal spikes on the other, for propelling themselves around the ice.

Game play, for the most part, is very similar to that of a normal hockey game.  Passing and shooting are more or less the same as regular hockey, and players check each other into the boards much the same.  The strategies used seem to be quite similar and the same rules govern play, including interference, hooking, slashing, etc. penalties.  One new penalty, which caught me a little off guard was ‘t-boning.’  This is when one player crashes into another, much like when one car ‘t-bones’ another.  Despite my high hopes, it did not mean everybody in attendance received a free steak.

The game itself does move a little slower than a typical hockey game, but considering the players are using their arms to propel themselves, it's pretty quick.  Shot also aren't nearly as quick as one would see at a regular game, and most goals seem to be scored from clos\ser in or through traffic.  I don't think you'd see too many Al MacInnis type goals at a sledge hockey game.  I also wonder, although I didn't see this, if players ever poke each other with the spiky end of their sticks.  Seeing as how they're sharp metal spikes, some real damage could be done.  Perhaps there is a code among players not to do such a thing.

The facility at WinSport Canada is first rate, and something we are lucky to have in Calgary.  The complex itself houses four regulation hockey rinks, three of which have seating for about 250 people, plus the rink for yesterday’s game which can hold around 3,000.  Two of the four rinks are also fitted for sledge hockey use.  This means they have clear, plexiglass boards at the benches and penalty boxes, allowing for the player to see the game.  These same areas also have ice in them, instead of the usual rubber mats, so players can slide in and out with ease.  It’s something I never would have thought of, but something that would make it very difficult to play without.

Also at the complex, is the ice house, which has four different luge and bobsled runs, so athletes can practice their starts and train year round, on ice.  Across the street from the ice complex is the newly opened Canada Sports Hall of Fame, and of course both buildings sit at the base of Canada Olympic Park.  It is truly amazing to have so many different winter sports available at one facility, right in the city.

Post Game Ceremony

All in all, it was a fun afternoon of hockey, and a comanding 8-0 win by Team Canada.  I have to admit I felt a little bit sorry for the Japanese team at times; they were simply outmatched.  While this game was entertaining, I'd like to go again and see one that's isn't such a blowout.  Perhaps I can catch the Canada-USA game on Wednesday night at 7PM.

The 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge runs through December 3, and tickets are available at the door for only $10. 

Jersey Fouls
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