Challenging players to
push themselves past their comfort zone was front and centre as Newmarket Peewee Select
tried out sledge hockey.
The first challenge
was getting strapped into sledges, learning how to stay upright - and recover
quickly after inevitable tumbles. Players and coaches had their core strength
and balance tested.
The team learned how to pass using two sticks, put their full body into steering, and keep their eyes up and not focused on the sledge. Once the team covered some basic drills they moved on to a game of shinny, with experienced sledge player Zack joining us to demonstrate what great sledge hockey really looks like.
Sledge rules are similar to ice hockey, with an on-ice area for the bench. Our goalies were equipped with impressive looking gloves that had spikes for manoeuvring. As in any game, making a quick adjustment to any uncomfortable equipment and playing on is key. There were a ton of smiles on the ice and lots of interest in playing sledge hockey again.
Thanks to the Town of Newmarket Inclusion Coordinator Pat McIntosh, our instructor Michael, and Zack for this opportunity. If you want to try out sledge, the Town of Newmarket public skating schedule includes drop-in sledge at the Magna Centre.
More pics:
Sledge Hockey Day