What we do
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mentor and coach players of all ages and abilities in sled hockey - no experience necessary!
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train players to advance to their desired level of competition, from recreational to international
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offer local, regional, and national competition
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host clinics and learn to play events
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provide free equipment lending with sleds, sticks, and protective equipment
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assist players with fundraising and grant opportunities
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provide service opportunities for our players to give back to our community
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offer volunteer opportunities for those who wish to join our staff
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uphold USA Hockey, SafeSport, and Paralympic Sport Club requirements
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represent the NHL Anaheim Ducks as their affiliate sled hockey teams
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maintain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a fiscally sponsored project of Mission Edge
To provide a USA Hockey, NHL, and U.S. Paralympic recognized sled hockey club
including clinics, recreational and competitive teams, and resources for those
interested in pursuing local, national, international, and Paralympic competition
for physically disabled youth and adults.
Mission
Youth Team
“I never thought my son could do this, now he’s coming out of his shell in school too.”
Parent of physically disabled youth player
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ages 5-17
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non-checking
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local, recreational play
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travel competition available
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share practice ice with adult team, each on half ice except for combined drills
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separate youth team coaching and management staff
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may have fundraising and volunteer requirements
Adult Team
"When I'm on the ice, I'm no longer disabled - I'm a hockey player!"
Physically disabled Marine Corps veteran
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no age requirement, players 17 and younger must have parent and coach approval
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full check
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local, recreational play
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travel competition available
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share practice ice with youth team, each on half ice except for combined drills
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separate adult team coaching and management staff
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may have fundraising and volunteer requirements
Meet the Staff
Sarah Bettencourt
Founder, Director of Hockey Operations
& Adult Team Manager
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BS Mechanical Engineering, US Naval Academy
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MS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford
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Captain, USMC (Retired)
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7 years sled hockey management and development experience locally, nationally, and internationally
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2016 USA Hockey Disabled Athlete of the Year
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Defenseman on US Women's Sled Hockey Team since 2015
Mike Loy
Director of Business Operations
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Director, Program/Business Development at Cobham - Defense Electronics
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BS Mechanical Engineering - University California, Santa Barbara
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35 years - Diverse leadership roles, both domestic & international
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Product Management - Account Management - Program Management
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Responsible for Business/Financial management of SD Ducks Sled Hockey
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Leads fundraising for SD Ducks Sled Hockey
Nick Hurd
Adult Team Head Coach
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BS in Recreation Management, University of Delaware
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Recreation Specialist for City of San Diego, Therapeutic Recreation Services
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Adaptive Sport Specialist
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23+ years on-ice hockey experience
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3 years Head Coach-Newark High School Hockey team
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3-time State Championship Finalist
Steve Buehler
Youth Team Head Coach
Amy Berkowitz & Kristen Buehler
Youth Team Managers
Kevin Olenick
Equipment Manager
Volunteer
Join our staff as either a temporary or permanent volunteer! We have various positions available that will meet your time and commitment requirements. Contact Sarah Bettencourt today to learn more!
FAQ
What is sled hockey?
Sled hockey (aka sledge and Para ice hockey) is seated ice hockey for physically disabled players. It follows typical ice hockey rules with the exception of equipment. Players use specially designed sleds that sit atop two skate blades and use two sticks with metal picks on the ends to propel themselves.