Chicago, IL (1888PressRelease)
April 18, 2009 - Total Hockey announced that it recently began carrying sled hockey equipment in its retail store locations as well as online at www.totalhockey.net. This equipment is designed specifically for sled hockey use. Currently, Total Hockey carries Easton one piece composite hockey sticks and replacement blades. Both are available in left and right hand. A few additions to the sled hockey selection will be implemented in the upcoming months.
Sled hockey is a form of hockey that enables the physically disabled to play the sport. The rules are typically the same as ice hockey, with the exception of some equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that rest on top of two hockey skate blades. Each player uses two shortened hockey sticks, which feature a blade on one end and a metal pick on the other, allowing players to propel the sleds on the ice. Goalies wear basically the same equipment, but modify the glove by sewing metal picks on the backside, which provides increased maneuverability.
Sled hockey was invented at a Stockholm, Sweden rehabilitation center in the early 1960s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical disability, wanted to continue playing hockey. This form of hockey provides the opportunity to play to a variety of people who are affected by multitudes of disabilities. Skill levels range from the recreational local level all the way to the USA Hockey National Sled Team that plays in the Paralympics.
The sled hockey endeavor is among many initiatives involved in Total Hockey’s Grow the Game campaign. Future plans include raising awareness of the game and involvement worldwide, providing equipment starter kits to children involved in learn-to-play programs and increasing overall interest in the great game of hockey among America’s youth.
About Total Hockey
Total Hockey is a privately held hockey equipment retailer based in St. Louis, Mo., dedicated to providing the latest in hockey equipment, superior quality merchandise and excellent customer service. Committed to growing the game of hockey, Total Hockey partnered with USA Hockey and is The Exclusive Ice Hockey Equipment Retailer of USA Hockey. Further in 2008, Inc. magazine named Total Hockey one of the fastest growing privately owned companies in the United States. Founded in 1998, Total Hockey has embarked on a broad-scale expansion in specialty hockey operations through seven retail stores in the greater St. Louis and Chicago areas, as well as an e-commerce facility at totalhockey.net, reaching customers worldwide. For more information, call toll-free at 866.929.6699.
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