Who are The Sacramento Lightning?
The Sacramento Lightning is a Sled Hockey team open to people of all abilities that practices and plays in Roseville, CA. at the Skatetown Ice Arena. We are sponsored by the City of Sacramento, Access Leisure's Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club. The team is part of the Western Sled Hockey League along with National Ability Center's Golden Eagles (formerly the Utah Grizzlies), the USA's U-20 team, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Phoenix Coyotes. 

WHAT IS SLED HOCKEY?
Sled Hockey is an adapted form of Ice Hockey played by athletes with lower body disabilities. Similar to traditional ice hockey in terms of concept and rules, Sled Hockey participants sit in sleds, with two skate blades directly under them, and a runner in the front for stability. Players use two shortened hockey sticks with the blade at one end and a pick (similar to the end of a figure skate) on the other. With a flip of the wrists, the athlete can propel the sled across the ice or move the puck with the paddle blade end, and take a shot at the goal. Leaning left or right while digging the stick into the ice turns the sled. The rest of the equipment is basically the same as that required for traditional ice hockey: helmets with face shields, gloves, shoulder, leg and elbow gear. Hard checking, raised puck shooting, and exciting action are as much a part of Sled Hockey as they are in traditional hockey.

WHO CAN PLAY? EVERYONE can play Sled Hockey! Men, women, youth and adults - ages 6-71! It is a sport that totally integrates players with a variety of mobility limitations; inclusive of people with knee, leg, or hip injuries, amputee, paraplegia, spina-bifida, cerebral palsy, and others. Players report that they develop great upper body strength and balance, quickly mastering the use of the sticks and sled. We encourage non-disabled hockey enthusiasts to come out and play, too!! Sled Hockey is a sport family and friends can play together. HISTORY OF SLED HOCKEY Sled Hockey (called Sledge Hockey outside of the US) was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960’s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical disabilities, wanted to continue playing hockey.  Sled Hockey follows typical ice hockey rules with the exception of the equipment.  Sled hockey provides opportunities in local areas for recreation with competition taking players all the way to the National Sled Hockey Team and the International Paralympics. A rapidly growing and popular adaptive sport, Sled Hockey teams travel the United States for tournament competition. Players are "hooked" once they touch the ice the first time.

PHYSICAL FITNESS
Sled hockey players discover that piloting a sled is not only exhilarating but a great form of exercise. It increases strength and coordination and conditions the lower body. The balance used to propel, play the puck, turn and stop gives the leg, back and abdominal muscles a great workout. In fact, players participating regularly notice an increase in balance when using their wheelchairs.

USA HOCKEY OFFERS THREE OTHER VENUES OF HOCKEY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES… 

1.    STANDING/AMPUTEE HOCKEY
Standing/Amputee is played upright and follows typical ice hockey rules.  Standing/Amputee Hockey has allowed a growing number of athletes with congenital or acquired amputations or other physical impairments to enjoy the great sport of hockey.  Players use prostheses to control a hockey stick or to skate, and these skills can be improved as with any other hockey skill.
There are many opportunities for Standing/Amputee Hockey players in local areas for recreation/competition all the way to international competition.  Combining players with various types of disabilities creates a unique team experience in this fast-paced exciting sport.

2.    DEAF/HARD OF HEARING
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey is for the individual who has a hearing impairment and may have special needs to play ice hockey.  The game is played with typical ice hockey rules and sometimes incorporates a special lighting system.  Instruction is based on the individual players’ ability to improve their skills in an environment that is receptive to their needs and demands.  The ability to communicate with coaches and other players through the use of sign language, lip reading and interpreters is a huge focus.  Also, there is a support system to help players obtain hearing aids and speech, auditory and language therapy.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Hockey provides opportunity for individuals throughout the country in many local areas for recreation/competition as well as the opportunity to play for US Deaflympic Hockey Team.  Also, many times players are integrated in typical "able-bodied hockey teams."  Participation gives the opportunity to achieve goals and become successful in both life and hockey

3.    SPECIAL HOCKEY
Special hockey programs have been established over 30 cities in the United States.  The goal of special hockey is to give people with physical and developmental disabilities the chance to play the sport of ice hockey in an environment which is adapted to the level of ability.  The athletes play upright and in most cases offside’s, icing, penalties etc. are not part of game play. Special Hockey encourages players to have fun and emphasizes teamwork, social interaction, and improving quality of life through on- and off-ice activities.
Special hockey serves a wide range of disabilities and there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the sport.  Many teams also provide a mentor program in which coaches and volunteers assist the players with important skills for everyday life.  There is competition available when interested as well as various camps throughout the year. 

WHEN CAN I PLAY?

Sled Hockey practice is held on Sundays from 5:15p.pm - 6:15p.m.  Cost is $15.00 per player and includes sled rental.  Full equipment is required (shoulder pads, neck guard, elbow pads, knee pads, and gloves), including an HECC approved helmet.  Please contact Janice Van Dyck (sledhockeymom@surewest.net) to reserve a sled, and to arrange for other gear, should you require it.  Players must be registered through USA Hockey and read and sign a waiver.