The Cincinnati IceBreakers offer adaptive ice hockey (also known as sled, sledge and para) hockey for youth and adults who are unable to skate in a standing position due to a physical challenge. Cincinnati’s program is a registered nonprofit organization under the name of Cincinnati Sled Hockey (EIN 85-3604639) in the MidAmerican District of USA Hockey, the national governing organization.
The IceBreakers’ formed in 2007 with just a few participants and has grown to over 30+ players, with ages ranging from 5 years old to over 70 years old. The IceBreakers continue to be sustained through donations, sponsorships, fundraisers and grants.
First season players are loaned everything they need to learn to play sled hockey, at no cost. This includes: a sled, hockey sticks, protective gear, a practice jersey, and a rolling hockey bag.
Players who continue with the IceBreakers past the first season, continue to be loaned everything they need to play at no cost. A nominal program fee is required ($200) annually to assist with equipment costs, maintenance and repair of the unique equipment used in this sport.
Scholarships are available to help offset costs for anyone requiring financial assistance. NO ONE is turned away from our program or participating in tournament play due to having a financial restriction.
As with all not-for-profit organizations, fundraising is on-going. The IceBreakers request participants and their families to commit to volunteering throughout the season.
Players are invited, but not required, to travel with their teammates to participate in tournaments. Travel is necessary to play another team as there are no other sled hockey programs within 100 miles of Cincinnati. Players who do not wish to travel or play competitively, can participate recreationally.
All players have scheduled practices for 90 minutes, once a week, at Queen City Sportsplex in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Players learn how to propel, turn and stop their sled, play the game of hockey, and when ready, participate in scrimmages, games and tournaments. Youth and adults skate with other similar-skilled players to create the most effective learning environment for each player. When needed, we provide players 1:1 assistance to help them learn to skate and eventually play hockey.
Our youth season runs from September through the end of February, and typically plays 3-6 games per season. The adult season runs September through March or April, depending on the tournaments available each season. Our adult team typically plays in 5 – 6 tournaments per season.
Our annual ‘fun’ scrimmages for our players include playing able-bodied high school hockey players in sleds, scrimmaging Cincinnati Firefighters and local Police in sleds, hosting one adult tournament weekend each year, demonstrating sled hockey in front of a huge crowd at a Cincinnati Cyclone’s game, and having an ‘End of the Season Celebration’ (Courtesy of Indian Hill Winter Club/Frank Baverso) to allow players, families, and our awesome volunteers the chance to mingle and celebrate another great year of hockey!
ALL coaches, managers, and volunteers are USA Hockey registered, SafeSport trained, and professionally screened through USA Hockey. You can expect coaches, managers, and volunteers to display professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
