INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The two-time national sled hockey team was in Independence on Sunday, teaching others with disabilities how to hit the ice.
It’s not so different that regular hockey; aggressive, physical, body checking competition. The only difference is these guys use an aluminum sled that sits on skate blades.
After a car accident left Chad Travous paralyzed in 2001, he started looking for a sport he could embrace.
Travous’ team, the blues, based out of St. Louis, has won the national championship, twice.
“The crowd went wild. It was so cool to achieve that and come back proud,” said Travous.
And two of the team’s players represented the USA in the Paralympics in Sochi. They beat Russia in the championship game and came back golden.
“We have NHL and college players who think they can beat us and then they get on the ice and they are like this is way tougher,” said josh Pauls of team USA.
It’s not only the balance and incredible core strength; it’s the fact that two limbs have to do the work of four.
“In sled hockey our arms are our arms and legs as compared to able body hockey. we have to use them to skate and puck handle. It’s a delicate balancing act you have to know when to pick and when to puck handle and you have to hope you get it right,” said Pauls.
There are about a dozen sled hockey teams in the country, but these athletes are hoping to grow more teams and give other athletes the experience that inspires and consumes them.
“I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It’s my life i eat sleep and breathe hockey. I’m an addict,” said Pauls.
To learn more about sports for disabled athletes in Kansas City, CLICK HERE.
