Help Centre

What is Sledge Hockey?

Sledge Hockey is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey. The same rules are followed as in ice hockey, with six players on the ice, including a goalie. Players sit on a sledge, which is a narrow platform with skate blades attached to the bottom, and propel themselves using two specially constructed hockey sticks that have picks on the end. Players wear full hockey gear and are strapped onto the sledges. The sledges can be adapted to meet the individual needs of each player.

Major differences from stand-up hockey:

While Hockey Canada rules apply, there are some rule variations and changes made necessary by the nature of the game and the players who participate, such as:

* hockey sticks are about 1/3 the length of a regulation hockey stick with picks on the ends

* the players' benches in most arenas are inaccessible. The players sit on the ice along the boards in front of the benches between the blue line and red line. For penalties, the players sit in the semi-circle in front of the penalty box.

Can anyone come to the Canadian Sledge Hockey Championships?

Yes! Bring your friends and family and watch some of the best Sledge Hockey that Canada has to offer!

Can I learn how to play Sledge Hockey?

Yes! Send us a message over on the Contact page and we can point you in the right direction! Also, check out the websites for the Woolwich Thrashers and for the Ontario Sledge Hockey Association for more information. We're always looking for players and volunteers!