Maine and New Hampshire based members of the New England Bruins joined forces this week to play three outreach exhibition games against high school and junior high school hockey teams from Southern Maine. The games, of course, were not of a serious nature. The intent was to have some fun and provide the kids and their families and friends an opportunity to experience sled hockey, and perhaps even gain a new perspective on the abilities of people with disabilities.

On Wednesday, December 22nd, the team from Westbrook Jr. High School invaded the ice at the Family Ice Center and playing their regular stand-up game gave the sledders all they could handle. Mike Geary, whose son Chris plays for the Jr. High Team was thrilled with the outcome even though his son’s team really took it to him. “I got so many comments about how much fun the kids had,” he said. “That by itself was worth it for me.” Some additional good news is that the Westbrook Team went on to trounce their opponents in the next game they played two days later. Mike thought that they had gained so much confidence moving the puck so effectively against the sledders that it carried them into their next game.

The tide took a different turn when everyone played from a sled though. On Tuesday, the 28th, the Falmouth High School Varsity Team jumped into sleds and threw down the gauntlet. They soon found that what might initially appear as a slower game is in reality a matter of perspective. When you’re on the ice in a sled and don’t have the ability to make quick lateral adjustments, the concept of a team game and position hockey takes on a whole new meaning. In the spirit of fun, a few members of each team swapped jerseys after the first period, which led to a much closer match. At several points during the game, 11 of the 12 players on the ice were Falmouth High School players going at it in sleds. Falmouth Coach, Scott Rousseau said after the game, “What a great time the kids had. I’m so glad that they have had this fun experience. It really gives them an appreciation that what you guys do is a real sport.”

Finally, on Thursday morning, December 30th, the Greely High School Varsity Team took the ice seeking revenge for a 17-0 whooping that the Maine Team had lain on their predecessors two years ago. Competitive to the end, Rangers chose to keep their team together on the ice and to their credit, in the end, they improved on the previous result.

The New England Bruins, and in particular the Maine Sled Hockey Team would very much like to thank the Family Ice Center's Opportunity Skate Program for generously providing ice time, and Northeast Passage and Alpha One for providing equipment. The Bruins would also like to thank all the players and coaches from the excellent hockey programs at Westbrook Jr. High, Falmouth High School, and Greely High School for coming out and skating with the sled hockey players. We wish you all success with the rest of your seasons.

For more information on the Maine Sled Hockey Program, visit their website at www.maine.sledhockey.org, and www.newenglandbruins.com for information on the Bruins.

New England Bruins Sled Hockey  Program
255 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
www.newenglandbruins.com

Copyright © 2005, New England Bruins Sled Hockey Program