Team Profile: Boston ICE Storm
The Boston ICE Storm is a trailblazing sled hockey organization that represents the spirit of adaptive sports in New England. Founded and operated by athletes with disabilities, the team embodies its core values of INCLUDE, COMPETE, and EMPOWER (I.C.E.) in everything they do.
Who Are the Boston ICE Storm?
The Boston ICE Storm is the flagship program of I.C.E. Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for competitive sports and community building among athletes with disabilities. What makes the Boston ICE Storm unique is that it was founded and continues to be managed by athletes with physical disabilities themselves, creating a supportive network driven by those who truly understand the athlete experience.
The team was established in September 2018 with just nine players. Since then, it has grown significantly in both size and impact, becoming a force in the adaptive hockey community. By 2024, the program had grown robust enough to field two teams at major tournaments.
Team Information
Team Name: Boston ICE Storm
Founded: September 2018
Location: Greater Boston Area, Massachusetts
Home Rink: Volpe Athletic Center at Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
League: Northeast Sled Hockey League (NESHL)
Organization: I.C.E. Adaptive Sports (Include, Compete, Empower)
NHL Affiliation: Partnership with the Boston Bruins
Website: bostonicestorm.org
Programs and Activities
Sled Hockey
The core program involves competitive sled hockey for players with physical disabilities. Sled hockey uses specially designed sleds and short sticks, allowing athletes with mobility challenges to play intense, full-contact hockey at a high competitive level. The team regularly competes in the Disabled Hockey Festival and various Northeast Sled Hockey League events.
Development and Outreach
The Boston ICE Storm is committed to growing the sport locally and regionally. They work to help new athletes join the program and provide equipment for those who need it. Ongoing fundraising efforts ensure accessibility for all participants by expanding athletic equipment and facility access.
Beyond Hockey
In 2021, I.C.E. Adaptive Sports expanded beyond sled hockey to form the only wheelchair basketball team in the Greater Boston area, demonstrating their commitment to providing multiple adaptive sports opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Leadership and Support
The Boston ICE Storm is led by a diverse team that includes athletes, families, and healthcare professionals. The board and coaching staff feature physical therapists who provide medical advice, training support, and help athletes optimize their equipment for peak performance.
The organization has built strong partnerships with institutions like the Boston Bruins, bringing visibility and resources to the adaptive sports community. This collaborative approach has been key to the team's growth and success.
Get Involved
The Boston ICE Storm welcomes participation in many forms:
Play: Athletes with physical disabilities are welcome to join the team
Volunteer: Coaching and event support opportunities are available
Donate: Support the team's equipment and operational needs
Learn: Community education and outreach programs
For more information about the Boston ICE Storm, to view athlete stories, or to learn how to get involved, visit their website at bostonicestorm.org or connect with them on social media.
The Boston ICE Storm proves that when athletes with disabilities lead the way, incredible things happen. Through their dedication to inclusion, competition, and empowerment, they continue to transform lives and inspire the next generation of adaptive athletes across New England.