Sled Hockey in the NEK
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- Created on Monday, 26 October 2015 15:10
- Written by Abbey Greene
LYNDON – Winter is fast approaching, and with a new season, comes new sports. One activity Lyndon citizens participated in over the weekend was not merely the standard hockey game or sledding trip, but a unique combination of the two, sled hockey.
“It has the same rules as regular hockey…stand up hockey,” sled hockey athlete John “Hollywood” McArdle says. “We’ve got a penalty box and we’ve got checking.”
The free clinic was organized by the Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country, and executive director Sandy Olney played a big part in making sled hockey a reality in Lyndon.
“Jim Davis approached me after watching the U.S. Sled Hockey team at the Winter Olympics,” Olney explains. “He said, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to do this at Fenton Chester Arena!’ We collaborated with the Ice Veterans, and they provided all of the equipment and everything we needed to get started.”
Sled hockey is meant for people with disabilities who want to continue playing the icy sport. McArdle has been playing sled hockey for nine years, and played around the country as a member of three Vermont teams. He took the time to share his experience with the public at the Fenton Chester Ice Arena to coach newcomers.
“It inspires them, and gives them confidence that they can do it. I just love to teach them, and I hope that they get what they want out of it.”
Over ten skaters went to the event, receiving skating time and advice from McArdle on how to improve.
“Being out there skating, it’s a great feeling. Somebody taught me how to skate, and now I’m going to teach somebody.”
Olney was pleased with the turn out, and says more are interested in coming to the next clinic as well.
“Everybody had a phenomenal time. We are hoping to start a team at Lyndon, and host matches at the Fenton Chester Arena playing against teams from Burlington, Barre, and the Ice Veterans.”
The next free clinic will be held on Saturday November 21st, between 5:30-7:15pm.
Sled Hockey Final from NewsLINC on Vimeo.