Cool sporting event

GLASA TO HOST ANNUAL “SLEDS ARE COMING” EXHIBITION & COMPETITION

Para-Athletes to Break the Ice at Winter Sled Hockey Game in Lake Forest, Feb. 2, 2025

(LAKE FOREST, IL – January 8, 2025) The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) and the Lake Forest College Athletic Department will co-host the 14^th annual “Sleds Are Coming” exhibition sled hockey event at the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse & Ice Rink at Lake Forest College, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, 2-3:30 pm. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The rink is handicap accessible.

“The Sleds Are Coming” will bring community exposure to GLASA and showcase its sled hockey program featuring the GLASA Falcons. Community members, students, and staff can watch and cheer on a talented group of athletes. Currently, GLASA, together with its local community partner, Falcons Hockey Association, has one competitive adult team, one recreational adult team and are currently working to build a youth team.

The on-ice competition will consist of three 12-minute periods of 5-on-5 sled hockey featuring members of the GLASA Falcons, coached by Lake Forest residents Andy Burkhart and Mike Reinhardt.

“Just like the conventional game, sled hockey is an exciting, fast-paced sport with rules that are similar to traditional hockey,” said Burkhart. “Our players use sleds and sticks to propel them across the ice and follow many of the same rules for traditional hockey like legal body contact and raised puck shooting.”

Sled hockey, also known as para ice hockey, is a direct descendant of ice hockey. Para ice hockey was invented at a rehabilitation center in Stockholm, Sweden, during the early 1960’s by a group of Swedes who, despite their physical disabilities, were determined to continue playing the sport.

The adult competitive team finished 3^rd overall at Nationals in 2024, won the Tier 2 Heartland League Championship in 2023, was the runner up in the National Championship in 2018 and placed first in 2017 and 2013. The youth competitive team were the 2015 National Champions.

The event will also feature:

• Demonstration by the Junior Falcons Mite Players sponsored by the Falcons Hockey Association (FHA)
• Chuck-A-Puck Competition
• Raffle Prizes

Also, GLASA is actively recruiting Sled Hockey Volunteers via this website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a44aaa62bab9-20241#/

To volunteer with the GLASA Falcons, please visit the GLASA volunteer portal and learn more about ways to get involved.

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