Team USA Sled Hockey

Sled hockey, also known as Para ice hockey, is a fast-paced, full-contact sport played on ice, designed for athletes with physical impairments in the lower body. Players compete while seated on specially designed sled hockey sleds, using two sled hockey sticks to maneuver and strike the puck. The game follows many of the same rules as traditional ice hockey, with teams aiming to outscore their opponents over three periods of play.

Sled hockey made its Paralympic debut as an exhibition event at the Paralympic Winter Games Örnsköldsvik 1976. It later became a medal event at the Paralympic Winter Games Lillehammer 1994. Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular and competitive sports in the Paralympic program. Originally developed in Sweden in the 1960s, the sport quickly gained international recognition, leading to its inclusion in the Paralympics. The game’s fast pace and physical nature have made it a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.

Team USA first won gold at the Paralympic Winter Games Salt Lake City 2002 and has remained a dominant force in international competition. We also brought home gold in five consecutive Games: Paralympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010, Paralympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Sled hockey follows a tournament structure featuring round-robin play followed by knockout rounds leading to the medal matches. Teams consist of six players on the ice at a time, including a goaltender. The game is played in three periods, with sudden-death overtime and shootouts determining winners in tied matches.

Follow along the sled hockey players' road to the Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Players compete using sled hockey sleds, which consist of a metal frame with a seat mounted on two skate blades. The design allows for agility and speed while maintaining stability on the ice.

Each player uses two sled hockey sticks, which have metal picks on one end for propulsion and a curved blade on the other for puck handling and shooting. These sticks allow players to maneuver effectively while maintaining control of the puck.

Paralympic sled hockey is played on a standard ice hockey rink, featuring the same dimensions, markings and goal structures as Olympic ice hockey. Boards, protective glass, and penalty boxes are also part of the competition environment.