Posted on April 27, 2022
The Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings Win the National Championship!
Congratulations to the Grand Rapids Junior Sled Wings on winning the USA Sled Hockey National Championship. The Junior Sled Wings team includes athletes ages 13-18 with varying physical abilities, who traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to compete in the four-day tournament.
“I am so proud of our Sled Wings, not just for winning, but for displaying teamwork, positive energy and good sportsmanship,” said Steve Kozlowski, who has coached the Junior Sled Wings for the past 14 years. “Throughout this tournament they executed a defensive game plan that helped us come out on top.”
And execute it, they did. Thanks to goalie Daniel Williams, the team held the competition to a shutout in the semi-finals and title game. “It feels beautiful,” said Williams. “I was nervous, but it feels great that we were able to hold through in the end.”
The Grand Rapids Sled Wings teams are proudly sponsored by the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports and the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation.
“The key to success for this group of athletes was their camaraderie on and off the ice,” said Meg Bouman, sports coordinator for Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program. “It was clear that they’ve worked hard all season to learn to communicate effectively and trust their teammates. Mary Free Bed is so proud of this team!”
Interested in learning more about the Sled Wings and sled hockey participation at Mary Free Bed? Tune in to our latest podcast. This episode of “Rehabilitationships” was recorded on location at the Griff’s Sled Hockey Classic.
To hear more from team leaders and players, listen to the conversation below:
