Utah’s NHL team could pave the way for a sled hockey team

SALT LAKE CITY — The enthusiasm behind Utah’s new professional hockey team was palpable, and it could pave the way for another team in Utah — sled hockey.

Sled hockey is the sport’s wheelchair equivalent. Para-athletes sit in a specially designed sled that sits on top of two hockey blades.

Utah already has a history with the sport. In 2002, the first-ever U.S. Paralympic team capped off a Cinderella story by taking home gold in Salt Lake City.

Five-time gold medalist and Paralympic skier Chris Waddell remembers the win.

“It’s really amazing to have that as part of the history of sled hockey in Utah,” he says, “I think we’re going to see some really cool stuff that comes out of the association with the Jazz and the hockey team.”

Another big connection between professional teams and their accessible counterparts is, appropriately, accessibility.

“Wheelchair basketball and sled hockey are sports where the pro athletes can jump into that device,” Waddell says, “Suddenly, they’re in a more equal standing. I think that’s one of the things that increases a tremendous amount of respect.”

This respect lowers barriers and helps athletes of all abilities get their stories out. Waddell says people are often taught not to bring up a disability, but having para-athletes in the spotlight creates an opportunity to connect with the community.

“From the highest able-bodied level to the highest Paralympic level,” Waddell continues, “And to see how much it benefits each group, and really promote it as well, is something that is so important. Because it really is a visible fulcrum that we can affect a greater change.”

Hopefully, a sled hockey team would help people see how able-bodied disabled athletes are.