Most players have had spinal cord injuries, amputations or cerebral palsy. For many years, sled hockey has been played abroad, but it was only introduced in the U.S. about 10 years ago. Today it's popularity is growing, as more and more people become familiar with the sport. The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the N.H.L Blackhawks sponsor the Chicago team. The sled team is also called the Blackhawks Jeff Jones director of RIC's Center for Health and Fitness, is the coach of the Blackhawks.
Players use two short hockey sticks.
These are miniature copies of standard hockey sticks. They also have metal picks to help the players get around. Sleds are equipped with two skate blades under the seats. You can buy commercially made sleds that are pretty generic. Players need to have strong arms.