skip navigation

55 Sleds Donated To Local Disabled Programs in 2011-12

07/08/2013, 10:45am MDT
By USAHockey.com

With the help of five donated sleds funded by donations to The USA Hockey Foundation, the Florida Eels sled hockey team is growing.

"These sleds help us run clinics and get others involved throughout the state,” said Ron Robichaud, coach of the Fort Myers Eels. “Florida has four programs, and because of these sleds we are working on two more. If those go through, Florida will have the most sled programs nationwide.” 

Hunter McAloose got his start on one of the donated sleds two years ago.

“Hockey gives me something to look forward to,” he said.

For McAloose, a 15-year-old with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a rare disease that makes walking difficult, sled hockey is the perfect sport for him.

“My hip sockets don’t fit correctly so I can’t do all the things everyone else can do.”

But he is able to get on the ice for games or practice once a week through the Eels program.  

Tag(s): Home