Sledge hockey class exciting for students

Grade 8 and 9 students of Crestomere School were unable to stay on their feet on the ice at the Rimbey Arena Jan. 31 - not because they had trouble skating, but as part of a sledge hockey practice session put on by representatives of Hockey Alberta.

Despite not being used to playing hockey in such a manner, the students enjoyed the experience.

“I don’t think you’d find any of them here that say they don’t like it,” said Crestomere School teacher Bryan Lachapelle. “This is the third year that we’ve done it. Some of these kids have been here with us before, and for others it’s their first time.”

“It’s hard work, but lots of fun once you get going. It’s one of the favorite field trips for our students, and the guys from Hockey Alberta do a great thing by bringing out the sleds for schools to try.”

The students felt that the fun they had was well worth the challenges some of them encountered.

“It’s kind of hard, and I’ve been pushed over a couple of times, but it’s a blast,” said student Delaney Brachmann.

According to Drew Dixon, co-ordinator of hockey development for Hockey Alberta, sledge hockey is “exactly like normal hockey,” with the exception of a small number of variations in the equipment used. Instead of moving around on skates, players sit on a sledge with skate- like blades affixed to it, and instead of using a hockey stick, players use two small sticks to propel themselves forward and to control and shoot the puck.

The sport was initially created as an alternative to traditional hockey for those physically unable to skate, and is quickly becoming popular among hockey players and athletes from all over the country.