Wheelchair Sports Federation Holds First Practice In Brewster Ice Arena

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. – The Wheelchair Sports Federation New York Sled Rangers, a sled hockey team for physically disabled youth ages 5 through 21, introduced the sport to the area with its first practice recently at the Brewster Ice Arena.

The WSF Sled Rangers' held practice on Nov. 15.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

The Sled Rangers are actively searching for new players to join the team.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

One of the players shows off his sled, which has two skate blades and a runner in the front.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

The team consists of players from all over the area.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Cassandra Huerta

11/19/2014 11:30 a.m.

Sled hockey allows children and adults with physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an adaptive version of traditional ice hockey, with similar concepts and rules. Competitors sit on an adaptive device known as a sled, which is fitted with two skate blades and a runner in front, forming a tripod. Players also employ two shortened hockey sticks with a pick (similar to the tip of a figure-skate) on one end, which enables them to propel themselves across the ice, similar to cross country skiing. Checking and high-speed slap shots are common features of the sport.

Led by general manager William Greenberg and head coach and paralympian Victor Calise, the Sled Rangers are based in New York City, and have kids from Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties as well as the city, Long Island and Southern Connecticut. Teammates are from Mahopac, Somers, Yorktown, Mamaroneck and Rye.

The WSF NY Sled Rangers are actively looking for children to participate on their sled hockey team.

For more information, please email info@wsfsledrangers.org or visit their website at http://www.wsfsledrangers.com.

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