Ice sledge hockey facts for kids
Sledge hockey, also known as sled hockey in the United States, is an exciting sport that allows athletes with physical disabilities to play ice hockey. This fast-paced game was first created in Sweden during the 1960s at a special rehabilitation center. It quickly grew in popularity and is now played all over the world.
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How Sledge Hockey is Different from Ice Hockey
Sledge hockey is very similar to regular ice hockey, but it has a few key differences to make it accessible for everyone.
- Players: Just like in normal ice hockey, a team has 5 players on the ice plus one goalkeeper.
- Healthy Players: Each team can have up to 5 players without disabilities. However, only 2 of these players can be on the ice at the same time during a game.
- Benches: The player benches and penalty box are built right into the ice. This makes it easier for players to get on and off the ice with their sleds.
- Ice Rink: The size of the ice rink is the same as in regular hockey. Rinks follow international rules, measuring about 60 meters (197 feet) long and 30 meters (98.5 feet) wide.
- Equipment: Players wear special equipment. They must have a full-face mask on their helmets for extra safety.
- Game Length: A sledge hockey game usually lasts for 3 periods, each between 12 and 20 minutes long. Regular hockey periods are 20 minutes.
- Referees: Sledge hockey games are controlled by 2 referees, while normal hockey games have 3.
Sledge Hockey Equipment
Players use special equipment designed for the sport.
- Sled: Each player sits on a special sled. This sled is custom-made to fit their body perfectly, allowing them to move easily across the ice.
- Sticks: Sledge hockey sticks have a curved blade, just like regular hockey sticks, for hitting the puck. On the other end, the stick has six to eight metal teeth. These teeth help players push themselves along the ice and steer their sleds. The metal teeth can't be longer than 1 centimeter from the stick. This rule helps protect the ice and prevents injuries to other players.
Sledge Hockey in Kolín
In the city of Kolín, Czech Republic, sledge hockey is a very popular sport. The local team in Kolín is very successful and often ranks at the top of their league. They even won the championship last season! Many players from Kolín also play for the Czech Republic's national sledge hockey team.
Images for kids
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A sled hockey player handling the puck.
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Canadian and U.S. players competing at the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge.
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Shayba Arena in its para ice hockey setup at the 2014 Winter Paralympics. Notice how the player benches are level with the ice, making it easy for players to enter.
See also
In Spanish: Hockey sobre hielo adaptado para niños
