CROMWELL, CT-Sled Ice Hockey also known as sledge hockey enables participants who have physical disabilities to play ice hockey using modified equipment and rules. Joan Mariconda and her spouse Tony have a different definition. “Sled hockey gives wings to physically disabled children and allows them fly.” They are t wo of the many volunteers it takes to operate the Atlantic Youth Hockey League. Both recently spent some time with PHN and shared their experiences with youth sled hockey.
The Atlantic Sled Hockey League is beginning its 11th season with seven teams serving players up to the age of 18. The league has teams located in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The ASHL is the only youth sled hockey league in the United States. In speaking with these two volunteers it is easy to discern that sled hockey positively affects the lives of players but as importantly those sponsors, parents and other volunteers who support the league.
Participating players have disabilities that prevent upright skating. They play the game riding on sled specially designed for playing ice hockey. Players propel themselves with shortened hockey sticks. One end of the stick is modified to help players gain traction and speed on the ice while the other end has a blade for shooting. While there are some rule modifications game rules are generally similar to other forms of ice hockey. Additionally some of the younger players have “pushers” who help propel them to the spot of play but who otherwise stay out of the action.
The league is a member of USA Hockey and the umbrella organization the Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League (AMHL). Other AMHL member leagues include the Atlantic Youth Hockey League, the Atlantic Junior Hockey League and the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League. These leagues provide many of the volunteers who in turn get inspiration from the players of the ASHL.
The Maricondas are long-time hockey people. Joan, who serves as the ASHL statistician has been the Executive Director for the AMHL for the past 17 years. Along with her duties to the AMHL she has a number of positions with USA Hockey. She is currently an Atlantic District Director, AAHA Executive Committee Member, a USA Hockey Youth Council member as well as a member of the USA Hockey Safety and Protective Equipment Committee. She previously was a member of the USA Hockey Junior Council.
Her spouse, Tony, has been a long-term athletic official in multiple sports. He worked hockey as well as minor pro football and semi-pro baseball. He is the current Atlantic District Referee-in-Chief for USA Hockey and works as an Off-Ice Official for the NHL with the New Jersey Devils. He is also a member of the USAH Safety and Protective Equipment Committee. Despite their sterling hockey resumes and experiences both readily admitted that nothing they have done gives them more satisfaction than they get from being involved with the ASHL.
The Maricondas jointly told the story of how they were in a hockey rink in Atlantic City for another meeting when they first saw Sled Hockey.
Joan elaborated saying “We were hooked when we saw the pure joy on the ice. We saw the kids flying around the rink and in many instances participating in organized athletic competition for the first time in their lives.”
They, like many, donate time. Others including businesses and organizations donate the money for sleds, sticks and equipment. The cost of a sled is around $600. Ice time is either donated by rinks, or is otherwise obtained at a reduced cost or paid for by contributions.
“ All the on-ice officials who must be registered with USA hockey donate their game fees,” said Tony. “Additionally, players and parents from the various other leagues frequently provide game day help, time keepers and just plain assistance. A plethora of volunteers fill coaching slots, and help the games flow in almost every imaginable way.”
While league officials work to balance the competition this is serious hockey. The teams play a home and home schedule with the top four teams in the final standings competing for the Atlantic District Sled Hockey Championship. Three former ASHL players played in the World Paralympics held in Vancouver the week after the Olympics earlier this year. Joan laughed when she said “the kids and parents take it seriously. The best call I ever got in hockey was a sled hockey parent complaining about ice time for their child. I knew we had arrived.”
The ASHL encourages parents of children who could benefit from participation to contact a league official about playing or starting teams in their area. Glenn Hefferan, the AMHL President is also an advocate.
“The AMHL serves as an advocate and sponsor for sled youth hockey within USA Hockey. The 100 children who skate in the ASHL and the more than 180 alumni who have moved on to play senior sled hockey are a legacy for our entire organization,” added Hefferan.
Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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