Sled Hockey Pirates skate Exhibition at Portland Pirates Game

The Portland Sled Hockey Pirates skated a five minute exhibition game after the first period of the Portland Pirates game versus the Lowell Lock Monsters today. Judging by the audience response, sled hockey was something they had not seen before but appreciated very much. Many of the Sled Pirates were approached by spectators after the game wanting to know more about the sport and how they or other family members might get involved. (Photos)

"I was very pleased with the overall result of the exhibition," said Sled Pirates Coach, Craig Gray. "Our goal today was to gain exposure for our program and we certainly did that." The crowd cheered loudly on saves by goaltenders Jeff Labbe and Aguinaldo Luis, the regular NH Wildcats goalie, who had attended the game to support the Maine Program. "It was kind of like trying to skate on snow," remarked Pirates forward, Dave Dittmer. The Sled Pirates took to the ice immediately after the first period ended so an ice make was not possible. "It really slowed us down," he said.

Today's exhibition and an easy scrimmage with sponsors earlier in the day marked the first time the Portland Sled Hockey Pirates had been on the ice together this year and Gray also thought that showed. "The exhibition exposed much more than the sport to the fans," he said. Our team play was very undisciplined. We swarmed the puck, bunched in the middle, and didn't cover each other. It's real obvious in the game photos. We've got some work to do before we're ready for our first game in the Prudential Northeast Sled Hockey League, which is scheduled for December 4th."

The Portland Sled Hockey Pirates would like to thank the Portland Pirates for making the exhibition possible. Another exhibition is scheduled for December 18th. The Sled Pirates would also like to thank the staff of the Cumberland County Civic Center for their great hospitality. 

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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.