Posted on March 16, 2022
Griff’s Sled Hockey Classic draws 200+ athletes with disabilities to Grand Rapids
Twenty-two teams from seven states will hit the ice this weekend for Griff’s Sled Hockey Classic, the region’s largest tournament of its kind. Hosted by Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports and the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation, the tournament also serves as the league championship.
When: Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20
Where: Patterson Ice Center, 2550 Patterson Ave. SE, and Eagles Ice Center, 2600 Village Drive SE
Game schedule: Visit https://bit.ly/SledWings22
Hockey fans will get a sneak preview of the Sled Wings in action at Friday night’s Grand Rapids Griffins game. The team will play a scrimmage during second intermission of the Griffins’ game against the Texas Stars.
A highly competitive Paralympic sport, sled hockey is similar to traditional hockey, except participants sit on bladed sleds. It’s ideal for competitive and recreational athletes with lower-limb-affected disabilities. The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey team just won their fourth consecutive gold medal this week.
Players use shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and a pick on the other, which enables them to propel across the ice. Just like in traditional hockey, checking, penalties and hard slap shots are abundant.
The tournament is free and open to the public. Sled Wings Radio will broadcast 18 games from the tournament, so fans from out of the state can watch the competition.
