WHO CAN PLAY?
The IceBreakers program is for youth & adults who have a primary physical impairment restricting their ability to skate in a standing position.
If you are not sure whether you, your spouse or child can learn to play, contact us to give it a try. We can modify our equipment to meet your needs.
If a player is unable to propel themselves in the sled, a ‘pusher’ is assigned to help the player participate in practices and games. Each pusher is hockey-smart and assists the coaching staff in teaching players about hockey.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW HOW TO PLAY?
BEGINNERS INVITED ! Coaches and volunteers teach according to individual abilities. Players will be taught basics of ice hockey including how to put on their equipment and gear, get into the sled and onto the ice.
Practices are once a week, on Monday evenings, for 90-minutes at Queen City Sportsplex in Cincinnati, Ohio (formerly Sports Plus).
- Players may choose to participate recreationally or competitively. There are different levels of competition – so there are options
- Players who do wish to compete (at any level) will need to travel because there are no other sled hockey programs within 100 miles of Cincinnati.
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.
Our youth season (for players under 17 years old) runs from September through the end of February, and typically have the opportunity to play 2-4 games per season.
The adult season (for players over 17 years of age) runs September through March or April, depending on the tournaments offered each season. Our adult team typically plays in 5 – 6 tournaments per season.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Players are required to wear a hockey helmet with face cage, hockey gloves, shoulder & elbow pads, a neck guard, and have their lower body completely covered (pants, closed toed-shoes, prosthetics).
Loaner gear is provided at no cost to the player.
IS THERE A FEE TO PLAY?
First season players do not pay to play. Equipment is loaned to each player.
The IceBreakers are able to maintain this program at little to no cost to all players due to planned fundraising, sponsorships and grants. As with all not-for-profit organizations, the IceBreakers request Board members, coaches, volunteers, participants and their families to contribute to the fundraising efforts for the program to minimize any and all costs.
NO ONE is turned away from our program or from participating in games or tournaments due to having a financial restriction.
WHY SHOULD I TRY SLED HOCKEY?
Sled hockey is incredibly fun, an awesome form of exercise, a safe environment and you meet new people who have more in common with you than you would imagine.
Sled Hockey is a Paralympic sport! Did you know
- USA Men’s Para Hockey team has won the last FOUR Paralympics and last FIVE World Championships?
- USA Women’s National Para Hockey team has won the last TWO World Championships?
Did you know CINCINNATI has TWO NATIONAL PARA HOCKEY PLAYERS and one that played for TEAM WORLD?
BEN MUSSELMAN 
JAMIE BENASSI 
RACHEL STEFFEN
Whether you choose to play recreationally or competitively, you will receive loaner equipment, at no cost, to use throughout each season.
Before the season ends, you will notice improved core strength, arm strength, balance, and endurance; greater confidence in yourself and will have had an amazing season!!