Pat vs. Philly: Sled Hockey
Philly.com's Pat Gallen joined the Hammerheads at the Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philly to try his luck at sled hockey in this edition of Pat vs. Philly.
Recently, I jumped on the ice at the Flyers Skate Zone in Northeast Philadelphia to try my hand – really, my upper body – at sled hockey.
Known as "sledge hockey" outside of the United States, sled hockey has given those with a physical disability the ability to compete on the ice. It was invented in Sweden in the 1960s, but few realize it's played in our own back yard.
The way to play, as you'll see me attempt in the video above, is to use only your arms, two half-sticks, and a custom-made sled. Those sticks have metal spikes on the butt end that are used to propel the sled across the ice.
One way to play in this area is at the Flyers Skate Zone in northeast Philly, as it has leagues of all age groups.
Bill Mahoney, whose son lost a leg to cancer when he was two, is the head coach of the Hammerheads at Skate Zone. Mahoney is hoping to reach those who might not know the sport even exists.
For more information about the sport, call the Flyers Skate Zone at 215-618-0500 or e-mail Chris Baer at cbaer@comcast-spectacor.com.