Play Sled Hockey with Spaulding!

Last week I visited a sled hockey program at one of our DCR skating rinks and spontaneously ended up in hockey pads and helmet, doing puck passing and checking drills, and playing in game! After fifteen years of offering adapting skating programs in DCR skating rinks, it was a treat to experience the competitive dimension of sled hockey.

Three program staff were fitting new players and their companions into ice sleds when I arrived at the O'Neil Rink in Charlestown. There is a bit more to fitting people to ice sleds when hockey is involved. Blades are adjusted closer together and positioned under the sled for best balance to lift the front end of the sled and minimize drag on the ice. A nice tight fit into the seat allows the whole sled to become part of your body. The hardest part for me was grabbing sticks with hockey gloves on!

Ski and Play Hockey with Nancy!

Is there someone in your community who excels at helping others have fun? In any community there are usually fun-loving individuals who often work hard to raise the quality of life for those willing and able to participate. In the realm of adaptive recreation in western Massachusetts, one such individual seems to rise above all others in the endeavor to create fun for everyone - Nancy Bazanchuk.



Nancy and a young friend at a recent adaptive
skating program in Holyoke.

I've known Nancy since 1995 when she attended one of our very first adaptive rowing programs on the Connecticut River. When I asked her if she needed assistance to get into a rowing shell, she politely answered "No thanks!", then cartwheeled out of her wheelchair onto the dock, ambled over to the boat and got in, forever changing how I perceived people in wheelchairs. Over the years we've collaborated on adaptive cycling as well as witnessed and promoted each others programs year round.

Nancy and Marcy skate together
keeping an eye on participants.

I spoke with Nancy last weekend at our adaptive skating program in Holyoke and she reminded me that she just wants to make sure that people today get the same great opportunities to play that she has had. Her monthly newsletter from the CHD (Center for Human Development) Disability Resource Program, where she works in Springfield, offers an astounding array of opportunities.  Wheelchair basketball, power soccer, dance, bowling, goal ball, and swim lessons are just some of the regular activities. In winter she also manages two sled hockey teams and organizes downhill skiing trips. Year round she has a limited selection of adaptive recreation equipment (handcycles, skis, beach wheelchair, etc.) that can be rented for those who would like to recreate on their own.

Nancy inspires me through her deep community connections. She seems to know everyone personally and links people to each other and new possibilities continuously. People who come to her programs return again and again. This level of personal commitment to others over many years truly enriches the quality of life for everyone, for the whole community. Thanks Nancy - for all you do!!!

If you live in western Massachusetts and want to get out and have fun with Nancy, here are two winter opportunities not to miss!

Downhill Skiing - Join an upcoming trip to Mount Snow in West Dover, VT or at Pico in Killington, VT. The program includes all types of adaptive skiing, with equipment provided by either Abilities Plus (Mount Snow) or Vermont Adaptive Sports and Ski (Pico). The group carpools to the location, then skis for the day with a one-hour lunch break. $55 per person covers the lift pass, ski rental and instructor. Family members and friends are welcome to ski but the cost may vary for them. Upcoming dates are February 17 at Pico, March 3 at Mount Snow, and March 17 at Pico.

Sled Hockey - The Western Mass Knights are an adult team and the Springfield Sliders are a junior team. Both teams practice at the Amelia Park Ice Arena in Westfield, where a major sled hockey tournament takes place in April with teams from all over the Northeast. Nancy is always looking for more players for this fast-paced growing sport, and you don't have to have disability to qualify. Junior players are especially needed for the second half of this season!

You can reach Nancy at 413-788-9695 or nbazanchuk@chd.org

Winter Snapshot - Disability Evaporates in Sled Hockey

One of my favorite things about sled hockey is that while chasing the puck people get so caught up in the game, disabilities fall to the wayside of awareness. I see and experience this in our Universal Access skating programs whenever a pickup game gets underway.

People with and without disabilities pile into ice skating sleds and learn to propel themselves with the two shortened hockey sticks. These sticks have picks on one end used to dig into the ice. Flip the stick to move the puck towards any make shift goal or hockey net. If this level of coordination or strength is not possible, a stroller bar handle can be inserted into the back of the sled for assistance, leaving the sled skater to fully attend to the puck if they are able. Those players who can engage in either level of play may find themselves forgetting about the cold too!

This is a great activity for kids, young adults, and families, but anyone can enjoy it. Come try it out this winter at Wendell State Forest, Mt. Tom State Reservation in Holyoke, or the Asiaf Arena in Brockton. Click here for more details!