Who Are the Springfield Thunderbirds?

The Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey team is dedicated to bringing the excitement of hockey to athletes with physical disabilities. Sled hockey, also known as para ice hockey, uses specially designed sleds and short sticks, allowing athletes with mobility challenges to play intense, competitive hockey at a high level.

Team Information

• Team Name: Springfield Thunderbirds Sled Hockey

• Location: Springfield, Massachusetts

• Sport: Sled Hockey / Para Ice Hockey

• Region: Western Massachusetts / New England

About Sled Hockey

Sled hockey is a fast-paced, full-contact sport that mirrors traditional ice hockey. Players sit in specially designed sleds that have two blades underneath, allowing them to glide across the ice. They use two short sticks with metal picks on the end to propel themselves and handle the puck.

The sport was developed in the 1960s in Sweden and has grown to become one of the most popular winter Paralympic sports. Teams like the Springfield Thunderbirds are essential to growing the sport at the grassroots level and providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities to experience the joy of hockey.

Get Involved

The Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey team welcomes participation in many forms:

• Play: Athletes with physical disabilities are welcome to join the team

• Volunteer: Coaching and event support opportunities are available

• Support: Help grow adaptive hockey in the Springfield area

Sled hockey programs like the Springfield Thunderbirds prove that hockey truly is a sport for everyone. Through dedication to inclusion and competition, they continue to inspire and transform lives in their community.

What is Wings of Steel?

Wings of Steel is a youth sled hockey organization dedicated to making competitive hockey accessible to children with physical disabilities. The program provides all equipment, ice time, coaching, and tournament fees at no cost to participating families. Operating out of Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ, the team has become one of the most successful youth sled hockey programs in the country.

The organization's mission goes beyond just playing hockey—it's about building confidence, developing athletic skills, and fostering lifelong friendships among disabled youth through the sport of sled hockey.

Championships and Achievements

Wings of Steel has established itself as a championship-caliber program:

• Back-to-back USA Sled Hockey Youth National Championships (2024 and 2025)

• Member of the Atlantic Sled Hockey League (ASHL)

• Recognized nationally for competitive excellence and championship pedigree

• Alumni who have gone on to represent sled hockey at higher levels

The team's success on the ice is a testament to the dedication of its coaches, the hard work of its athletes, and the supportive community that surrounds the program.

Program Philosophy

What sets Wings of Steel apart is their unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion:

No Child Pays to Play

All equipment, ice time, coaching, and tournament fees are fully covered through donations. No family ever receives a bill for their child's participation.

Inclusive Environment

The program welcomes all children with physical disabilities, regardless of their experience level. Newcomers are supported with adaptive equipment and on-ice assistance, including pushers and special sled modifications as needed.

Family Involvement

Families are encouraged to visit, watch practices, and become part of the Wings of Steel community. The program understands that when a child plays, the whole family is involved.

Practice and Location

Wings of Steel practices most Thursdays at:

Visitors and prospective athletes are welcome to come watch practices and games. The team encourages families to reach out and experience sled hockey firsthand before committing—there's no pressure, just an open invitation to be part of something special.

How to Join

Joining Wings of Steel is straightforward:

1. Visit the team's website and fill out the online registration form

2. The organization will reach out to discuss your child's needs and accommodations

3. All equipment is provided—just show up ready to play!

No prior hockey experience is necessary. Wings of Steel welcomes children of all skill levels and works with each athlete to help them develop and grow in the sport.

Support the Program

Wings of Steel relies entirely on donations to fund their "No Child Pays to Play" mission. Contributions help cover:

• Sled and equipment purchases and maintenance

• Ice time and facility rentals

• Coaching and training expenses

• Tournament registration and travel costs

• Team uniforms and gear

Every donation directly impacts a child's ability to participate in this life-changing program.

Contact Information

For more information about joining Wings of Steel, volunteering, or supporting the program:

Wings of Steel exemplifies the spirit of adaptive sports—proving that with the right support and opportunities, every child can experience the thrill of competition, the joy of teamwork, and the pride of representing their team on the ice.

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

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.

Mission and Purpose

The New England Warriors focus on three core pillars:

• Rehabilitation: Using the sport of sled hockey as a vehicle for physical and mental recovery

• Camaraderie: Building lasting bonds among veterans and team members

• Opportunity: Providing disabled veterans with competitive athletic opportunities through adaptive sports

The team is committed to showing that disability does not define ability, and that through teamwork and determination, individuals can achieve great things on the ice.

Who Are the Warriors?

The New England Warriors are led by a group of dedicated veterans and supporters who have turned their passion for hockey into a mission to help others:

Leadership Team:

• Christy "Icebox" Gardner - President/Co-Founder/Captain: A medically retired Army veteran, Christy also serves as captain of the US Women's National sled hockey team

• Ian "Battleship" Ramsdell - Vice President/Co-Founder/Captain: A retired US Navy veteran

Notable Team Members:

• John "The Chirper" Curtis - Forward

• Mahlia "Mini Mao" Schneck - Forward/Volunteer, double amputee

• Gordie "The Grinder" Ide - Volunteer/Defenseman, injured in stand-up hockey

• Kevin "Brady Bunch" Marcotte - Forward; served in the Army and Maine National Guard

• Ken "The Quiet One" Senko - Forward

• Will "The Show Pony" Rolfe - Forward; Air Force veteran with MS

• Matt "Beefcake #1" Cain - Alternate Captain/Defenseman; Army Airborne infantry veteran

The team's roster is open to veterans and non-veterans alike who have physical disabilities that prevent them from playing traditional stand-up hockey.

Equipment and Gameplay

Players use similar equipment to stand-up hockey with some key modifications:

• Sleds: Aluminum frame with a bucket seat mounted on ice skating blades

• Sticks: Two shortened hockey sticks with picks on the end for propulsion and a blade for shooting and passing

• Protective gear: Standard hockey protective equipment adapted for seated play

The sport maintains all the excitement of traditional hockey—hard checking, precise passing, and powerful shots—just from a seated position.

League Competition and Achievements

The New England Warriors compete in the Northeast Sled Hockey League (NESHL), an adult sled hockey league spanning multiple states in the northeastern United States. The team has achieved notable success, including:

• NESHL B League Championship winners

• Regular competitors in regional and national tournaments

The NESHL promotes awareness and growth of sled hockey among people with disabilities throughout New England and beyond.

Veteran Outreach and Programs

Beyond competitive play, the New England Warriors are committed to supporting veterans in need through:

• Regular practices and team activities

• Social support and community building

• Fundraising events to support veterans' programs

• Advocacy for adaptive sports and disabled veteran services

The team regularly announces practices, games, and events on their Facebook page, welcoming new participants to join the Warriors family.

Get Involved

The New England Warriors welcome new players, volunteers, and supporters:

• Email: newarriors@yahoo.com

• Phone: (207) 713-4238

• Website: newenglandwarriors.org

The team is open to veterans and non-veterans with physical disabilities who are interested in trying sled hockey. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced players.

The New England Warriors exemplify the transformative power of adaptive sports, providing wounded warriors and individuals with disabilities a path to competition, camaraderie, and community through the sport of hockey.

Who Are the Pioneers?

The Central Vermont Pioneers are a diverse group of hockey enthusiasts who have found their way to play the sport they love through sled hockey. The team ranges in age from 8 to 72 years old, showcasing that hockey truly is a sport for all ages. Most team members have some type of physical challenge that makes sitting in a hockey sled the only way they can participate in this fast-paced sport.

The organization operates two teams:

• Travel Team: Players aged 14-72 who compete in tournaments throughout New England and nationally

• Recreational Team: A newer program where the youngest player is just 8 years old

A unique aspect of the Pioneers is the inclusion of four father-son duos on the team, highlighting the family-friendly nature of the program and the intergenerational appeal of sled hockey.

Team Activities

The Pioneers maintain a regular practice schedule, with weekly sessions that keep players sharp and foster team chemistry. Beyond their own development, the team is committed to growing the sport by holding clinics to introduce sled hockey to others who may benefit from playing.

The team travels extensively throughout the Northeast to compete in tournaments, representing Central Vermont with pride and determination.

Achievements

The Central Vermont Pioneers have an impressive record of success:

• 3-time Vermont State Champions

• 2-time Empire State Games Gold Medal Winners

These accomplishments demonstrate the team's competitive spirit and the high level of play they've achieved.

Benefits of Being a Pioneer

The organization emphasizes that being a Pioneer is about much more than just playing hockey. Team members benefit from:

• Belonging to a team and commitment to each other

• The excitement of competition and fun

• Exercise and physical activity

• Encouragement and support

• Striving to do one's best

• Being part of the community

• The satisfaction of improvement through hard work

• Most importantly: life-long friendships

Get Involved

The Central Vermont Pioneers are active on social media and welcome community support. For those interested in learning more about the team, donating, or getting involved, visit their website at centralvermontpioneers.org or find them on Facebook.

The Central Vermont Pioneers prove that with the right equipment, support, and determination, hockey truly is a sport for everyone. Their success on the ice and their commitment to growing the sport make them an inspiration to adaptive sports programs everywhere.

What is Sled Hockey?

Sled hockey is an ice sport that allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the popular winter sport. The concepts and rules are the same as "stand-up" hockey, but instead of skating on their feet, participants sit on an adaptive device known as a sled. To propel themselves, players use two shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and metal picks for propulsion on the other end.

Hard checking, pin-point passing, and 60-mile-per-hour slap shots are as much a part of sled hockey as they are in "stand-up" hockey. From beginners to the most aggressive competitors, Northeast Passage welcomes all participants to try the sport or be a part of their teams.

Programs Offered

Slip Into A Sled

One of Northeast Passage's innovative outreach programs is "Slip Into A Sled," a team-building program that gives hockey players of all ages and abilities the exclusive opportunity to try sled hockey firsthand. Its intent is to increase knowledge of the Paralympic sport within the New England hockey community while simultaneously reinforcing the notion that hockey is for everyone.

Participants get the opportunity to slip into sleds alongside members of Northeast Passage's nationally ranked sled hockey teams and not only learn how to play the sport directly from them, but also how the sport has impacted their lives. Slip Into A Sled serves as a humbling and eye-opening experience for participants in addition to giving them a chance to try something fun, new, and exciting.

Host teams or organizations are responsible for obtaining 90 minutes of ice time for Slip Into A Sled, in addition to paying a $500 contracted service fee for equipment and staffing. Northeast Passage will come to your rink with 25 sleds and 25 pairs of sled hockey sticks to create an unforgettable experience for all!

Partnerships and Support

Northeast Passage's sled hockey programs are made possible through generous partnerships and support:

• Phillips Exeter Academy and St. Paul's School provide crucial ice time support

• Homer Family Foundation and Grimshaw–Gudewicz Charitable Foundation provide additional support

• USA Hockey affiliation ensures quality programming and competitive opportunities

• Move United member organization

The program is also recognized as a Certified Veteran Ready Organization, demonstrating their commitment to serving veterans with disabilities.

Contact Information

Northeast Passage is located at:

For more information about the sled hockey programs, athlete development opportunities, or the Slip Into A Sled program, visit their website at nepassage.org/sled-hockey or check out their event calendar.

Northeast Passage's sled hockey programs exemplify the organization's mission to provide innovative recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through their competitive teams, youth development programs, and community outreach initiatives like Slip Into A Sled, they continue to prove that hockey truly is for everyone.