11th Annual New England Sled Hockey Tournament Coming Soon
Published on March 16, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Amelia Park Arena in Westfield is proud to announce that they will be hosting the 11th Annual New England Sled Hockey Invitational Tournament from April 17-19th. The tournament, held for the seventh time at Amelia Park, will consist of adult and junior divisions competing throughout the weekend from 7am-11:30am (Friday & Saturday) and championship games (Sunday) from 7am-2:30pm.
Attendance to the tournament is FREE and will showcase 200 athletes and coaches from eight states and Canada. Past Paralympian & current National Team Players from both US & Canada will be participating. One of those teams, the San Antonio Rampage, is comprised of military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
"We are thrilled to be hosting this most inspiring event and bringing the great game of sled hockey to the folks of Western MA," said Albert Ferst, Chairman of the Board of the Amelia Park Arena. "It is so wonderful to see these athletes of all ages shine."
The Pioneer Valley will have its own team, the Springfield Sliders, participating in the junior division. The Sliders, consisting of local patients from Shriners Hospital, practice weekly at Amelia Park. The Sliders are also supported by the Springfield Falcons Hockey team as their players and coaches have assisted the athletes throughout the season. On Sunday, March 29th, the Sliders will be putting on a post-game exhibition following the Springfield Falcons v. Portland Pirates game.
The weekend tournament not only includes competition by athletes but opportunities for fans to interact with the athletes as well. Informal meet and greets with athletes will take place each day courtesy of Women's Law Enforcement Association (WLEA).
The New England Sled Hockey Invitational would not be possible without sponsors or volunteers. If you are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Carole Appleton at 413-348-6372 or www.ameliapark.org.
Sled Hockey, or sledge hockey as it is known internationally, is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey. Sled Hockey was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation center. It is currently one of the most popular sports in the Paralympic Games.
Amelia Park Ice Arena is an ice arena/sports complex and memorial garden, financed by Westfield, Massachusetts philanthropist Albert F. Ferst, in memory of his wife Amelia. The Albert & Amelia Ferst Operating Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit entity, was formed in 1998, with the expressed purpose of building a recreational facility and garden in her memory.
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