With the grand re-opening of their Milton Keynes ice rink, Planet Ice have set up a series of sledge hockey taster sessions, offering the opportunity for people to come and try the paralympic sport for the first time.
Sledge hockey is a variation of ice hockey in which players are seated in a metal sledge with blades on the base, propelling themselves using twin hockey sticks, shooting pucks as they go. Designed specifically for people with lower body impairments who are unable to play standing ice hockey, the sport is fast, full-contact and extremely fun to play and watch.
The sessions are being run by GB Sledge Hockey Head Coach Andrew Linton, who will be assisted on the ice by a number of players, including current GB Captain Ian Warner as well as GB players Darren Brown, Jon Le Galloudec and Tyler Christopher. Jon and Tyler are both military personnel who were injured while serving abroad and became involved with sledge hockey as a form of rehabilitation.
Coach Linton is excited about the sessions: “This is a fantastic chance to bring sledge hockey to people who may not have been able to try it previously. The newly refurbished rink is a perfect place to hold these sessions and I’m looking forward to seeing the potential talent that arises from them.”
The sessions are completely free, and are open to anyone – male or female, disabled or able-bodied – over the age of 14. All equipment will be provided by the British Sledge Hockey Association and Planet Ice, including sledges. If you would like to give sledge hockey a try, the sessions will be held at Planet Ice Milton Keynes at the following times:
- Wednesday 19th November 9pm-10pm
- Wednesday 26th November 9pm-10pm
- Wednesday 3rd December 9pm-10pm
You can pre-book your place on one of the sessions at the Planet Ice Milton Keynes Website.
More information on sledge hockey can be found at www.sledgehockey.co.uk
More information on Planet Ice can be found at www.planet-ice.co.uk
