There are 4 major considerations for the New England Bruins that go into our decision making around which tournaments we'll attend. Those are:  

1.  Inclusiveness of players allowed to play in the tournaments,

2.  Date of the tournament and existing schedule conflicts,

3.  Travel logistics,

4.  Expense. 

It is very important from our Bruins team perspective that there are no limitations on whether people without disabilities can play in the tournament and what positions they can play. The Bruins have a large number of able-bodied players on our team for a couple of reasons. First, we need the numbers to be able to fill out practice sessions and rosters.  Secondly, we are philosophically opposed to actions which further segregate people with and without disabilities. At this level, we are playing sled hockey for fun and we want to play with our friends and family members. The place for disabled-only tournaments is at the national team level and the Paralympics. For a more in-depth perspective, please read this article from our website: http://www.newenglandbruins.com/Content20052006Season/OpED20051118.htm.  

The tournament date is important too. There are a number of tournaments to choose from and now with the development of the Prudential Northeast Sled Hockey League (www.neshl.org) people have ample opportunities for people to play sled hockey. Tournaments that conflict with the PNESHL Game Days will not draw teams that are members of the PNESHL.  Another thing to consider that would be detrimental to drawing teams would be tournaments and travel on back-to-back weekends.  Many of our players have families of their own and being away from home for the them is very difficult. We're not kids anymore. It's darn near impossible to travel on holidays, such as over New Years weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.  Hockey tournaments should start in late November and be done by mid-April.     

Finally, the tournament schedule itself is a factor. You lose 2 to 3 hours traveling back east due to time-zone changes and that's on top of a 6 to 7 hour trip. Unless you can be on a plane and in the air by noon on Sunday, you're either not going to get home that day or will get home so late on Sunday that Monday is shot. That's not so much of a factor when your traveling west.

And it is expensive to travel. We generally like to get at least a six month advance notice of tournaments including the schedule and accommodations so we can look for the best group travel rates.

So, I hope this clears up any misconceptions about our willingness to travel west. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to discuss this further. Craig@sledhockey.org.