Posted on March 22, 2024
Sled Hockey Tournament Ices Grand Rapids for 2024 Griff’s Sled Hockey Classic
A total of 25 sled hockey teams from across the national are in Grand Rapids for this weekend’s Griff’s Sled Hockey Classic.
We’re expecting around 250 athletes making it the region’s largest tournament of its kind. The competition is hosted by Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports and serves as the league championship for the adult league.
When: Starting Friday night, March 22 and continuing through Sunday, March 24
Where: Patterson Ice Center, 2550 Patterson Ave. SE, and Eagles Ice Center, 2600 Village Drive SE
Sled hockey is a highly competitive Paralympic sport similar to traditional hockey, but participants sit on bladed sleds. It’s ideal for competitive and recreational athletes with lower-limb-affected disabilities.
Players use shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and a pick on the other, that enables them to propel themselves across the ice. Just like in traditional hockey, checking, penalties and hard slap shots are abundant.
The 25 teams come from eight different states including: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin. There are 12 junior and novice teams, and 13 adult teams, all broken up into six divisions. The Junior Sled Wings are supported in partnership by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation.
The tournament is free and open to the public to watch and cheer on the athletes.
