PA Center-Pedes figure to be one of the top teams in the PNESHL

The Portland Sled Hockey Pirates will have their hand full when they take on the PA Center-Pedes, also known as the "Bugs," in Prudential Northeast Sled Hockey League play this year. Last year, the Bugs placed the only blemish on Maine's otherwise undefeated record with a 4-1 victory in the War at the Whit.  "The Bugs are a well coached team with young players and top notch veterans," says Maine Player/Coach, Craig Gray. "They are a good bunch of guys that always demonstrate good sportsmanship. We have the highest regard for them." Even so, Maine is looking forward to a rematch and hopes to have the Bugs end up squashed on the windshield of life.

The PA Center-Pedes Program Profile: 

In the Mid-Atlantic area there are approximately 150 young disabled individuals currently playing sled hockey.  There are also a large number of disabled adult players.  Realizing that many of the junior players where getting older, plus the growing number of adults wanting to play, it was evident that there was a need to create a local adult sled hockey team in the Mid-Atlantic area.  Jim Leatherman and Mike Doyle recognized this need and while working with the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sport (PA Center) and Isabel Bohn, they were able to develop the supports needed to organize the newly created sled hockey program.

First out of the gate was the need for a team name and logo.  Wanting to show both support and our affiliation with the PA Center it was decided that that the team would be called the PA Center-Pedes or BUGS as we have affectionately become known as.  Everyone associated with the team agreed that creating a logo certainly presented a monumental challenge in order to come up with a logo for the team sweaters that would both capture the flavor of the team and still project an intimidating image to our opposition.  The call was put out to all the players, supporters, and just anyone that wanted to try their hand at designing a catchy team logo.  The Team searched locally as well as internationally for ideas and suggestions.  Everyone was in agreement that the design submitted by our friends in Sweden was the best and thus the Bugs identity took shape.

Like most new Bug colonies, things started out slow at first.  However, we have quickly developed our team and program and recently have expanded into two teams, and see further expansion in the near future.  Our Bug program’s mission is to provide completive opportunities to the areas talented young players as well as adults that want to learn and enjoy the sport of sled hockey.  While working closely with the areas junior teams and other disabled sports programs, our Bug program is given many disabled athletes the chance to play at all levels.  The Bug team proudly acknowledges that we have already had 6 of our members participate on National Teams.  As is the case with all Bug colonies, our mission is to continue to expand and ensure that we offer all that wish to play this great game a chance to do so in a relaxed, enjoyable and yet competitive environment.

Maine Sled Hockey Program
255 Pine Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
207-883-0420    207-885-5593 Fax
www.mainesledhockey.org
MaineSledHockey@maine.rr.com
Copyright © 2005, Maine Sled Hockey Program

Fast Facts: Sled hockey is one of the fastest growing disabled sports in the world with new sled hockey programs and sled hockey teams showing up everywhere. There are about 50 adult sled hockey teams and junior sled hockey teams in the USA. Sled hockey is played in several countries. Sweden claims to have originated sled hockey. The US Sled Hockey Team won the gold medal in the 2002 Paralympics. The Prudential Northeast Sled Hockey League is the first organized adult sled hockey league in the USA. Sled hockey players are extremely committed to the sport of sled hockey and regularly teach sled hockey clinics and participate in sled hockey outreach events and sled hockey exhibitions. Anyone wishing to try sled hockey should have ample opportunities to play.