Disabled
Disabled hockey offers opportunities for players of all abilities to experience the game. In Illinois, there are six recognized types of disabled hockey:
- Sled hockey is designed for players with physical or developmental disabilities who sit in a sled to move across the ice.
- Special hockey allows players with developmental disabilities to play upright in a supportive environment.
- Standing/amputee hockey is for athletes with amputations who play in the traditional upright position.
- Deaf hockey welcomes players with hearing impairments of 50% or more.
- Blind hockey is adapted for players with varying levels of vision impairment.
- Warrior hockey serves military veterans with disabilities, providing both competition and community.
AHAI is proud to support disabled hockey through its programs and partnerships, ensuring that every player has the chance to enjoy the game.
The Chicago Warriors Hockey team is comprised of our veterans with 10% disability or greater. The Program’s mission is to organize and administer an ice hockey program that provides a recreational, therapeutic experience and education. The Warriors program educates, trains, motivates military members who have disabilities to participate in the sport of ice hockey in an environment that is adapted to the level of their ability. For more information, please contact Jim Otzko at jimotzko@yahoo.com.
Chicago Storm Special Hockey is dedicated to providing children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play hockey. The Special Hockey team members range in age from 5 to 55, and include both male and female athletes. The team is comprised of players that have Autism, Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities.
The Special Hockey program strives to promote and emphasize the development of sportsmanship, team spirit, increased confidence, pride, and team unity.while having a great time in the process!
The Chicago Blind Hockey program is dedicated to providing children and adults that are blind or visually impaired with the opportunity to play hockey. The Blind Hockey team is a place for both males and females of all ages and skill levels (from learn to skate to athletes that played competitive hockey before becoming visually impaired).
The Blind Hockey program was first organized in 2015. The Bind Hockey program promotes the development of hockey and skating skills, sportsmanship, promoting a team environment, learning the game of hockey and having fun with a continued focus that "Hockey is For Everyone!"
For more information, please contact Malisa Komalarajun at ChicagoBlindHockey@gmail.com
The Hornets are a sled hockey program made up of players from 5 to 35 years old. The Hornets practice on Tuesday nights at Mt.Prospect Ice Arena and play games against able-bodied teams in Illinois on a regular basis.
For more information, please feel free to contact:
The CISHA Thunder are a youth sled hockey team with players ranging in ages from 4 to 18 years old. The Thunder practice once per week and play scrimmage games throughout the hockey season.
For more information, please contact Tim at (309) 261-2250 or email cisledhockey@gmail.com
GLASA is part of the Falcons Hockey Association with both competitive and recreational sled hockey teams. Sled hockey follows most of the rules of ice hockey except for equipment. Able-bodied hockey players are encouraged to support as pushers for sled hockey athletes.
The Chicago Sled Hockey program, sponsored by the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, has offered free participation and equipment since 1999. The season runs September through July with practices at the McFetridge Sports Complex. The program features both a competitive team in the Midwest Sled Hockey League and a developmental team in the Heartland Sled Hockey League, with players also competing in national tournaments such as the NHL Sled Classic.
Learn more at the link below or call (312) 238-5001.
Every summer a camp takes place at Seven Bridges ice Arena for players that are deaf or have hearing impairments of 50% or greater. The camp is run by AHIHA and has been in existence for close to 40 years.