Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey
Ice hockey is a sport that requires skill, determination, and resilience. However, when played on a sled, it becomes even more challenging. That is precisely what the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team does. They play ice hockey on sleds, and they are an inspiration to everyone who hears their story.
The History of the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team
The Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team was founded in 1998, and it was the first sled hockey team on Long Island. The team was created to provide people with disabilities an opportunity to play hockey on ice. Sled hockey, also known as sledge hockey, is a sport that was adapted from traditional ice hockey for people with disabilities. Players sit on an adaptive sled with blades underneath that allow them to glide across the ice. They use two sticks with metal picks on the end to propel themselves and to handle the puck.
The team started with only a few players, but it has grown to include over 30 players of all ages and abilities. The players come from all over Long Island and New York City, and they come together to play, practice, and compete.
The Rough Riders' Achievements
The Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team has achieved a great deal in its more than 20 years of existence. The team has won numerous championships and has competed in national and international tournaments. The team members are not just athletes; they are also ambassadors for the sport and advocates for people with disabilities.
In 2019, the team won the Northeast Sled Hockey League championship, and they have won the championship four other times in the past. They have also competed in the USA Hockey Sled Classic, a national tournament that brings together the best sled hockey teams from across the country.
The Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team is also involved in community outreach programs. They visit schools and community centers to demonstrate their sport and to share their stories of determination and perseverance. They also work with organizations that support people with disabilities, such as the Long Island chapter of the United Spinal Association.
The Players of the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team
The players of the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team are an inspiration. They come from all walks of life, and they all have their unique stories of adversity and triumph. Some of the players were born with disabilities, while others acquired them later in life due to accidents or illnesses.
What they all have in common is their love of hockey and their determination to overcome any obstacles in their way. Playing sled hockey requires strength, speed, and agility, and these players possess all of those qualities and more. They are also mentally tough, and they never give up, no matter how tough the game may get.
Becoming a Part of the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team
Anyone who wants to be a part of the Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team can join. The team is open to anyone with a physical disability who wants to play sled hockey. The team has players of all ages and abilities, and they welcome anyone who is interested in playing.
The team practices at The Rinx in Hauppauge, NY, and they have games and tournaments throughout the year. The team provides all of the equipment needed to play, including sleds, sticks, and helmets.
Conclusion
The Long Island Rough Riders Sled Hockey team is a source of inspiration and motivation for anyone who wants to overcome adversity and achieve excellence. These players have faced many challenges in their lives, but they have never given up on their dreams. They have shown us that anything is possible if you have the passion, the determination, and the resilience to make it happen.
