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Shelley Osterloh ReportingIn 2002 a lot of Utahns were exposed to the fast-paced thrills of Sled Hockey. Interest and participation in the Paralympic sport is growing, and this weekend the National Ability Center in Park City is hosting a tournament. Forty-five players from across the country are competing.
It's hockey, but instead of skates, players use a sled. The sticks have serrated tips for propulsion and a curved surface for hitting the puck. It is fast and physical.
Casey Lenhart, Sled Hockey Player: "Until I found sled hockey, I wasn't able to compete in any kind of competitive sport at all because of my disability. Sled hockey is awesome, I love it!"
For people who are usually in a wheelchair, for anyone really, it is surprisingly rough, but it doesn't seem to slow anybody down.
Hope Bevilhymer, National Ability Center Team: "I've broken an ankle and some ribs, so yeah, it's rough."
Corbin Beu. 1998 Paralympian: "I've got a nice scar from yesterday's game. And I've broken my arm and broken my nose. It gets pretty rough."
David Conkin is a three time Paralympian who won gold in 2002 and just returned from the Torino Games, where Team USA took bronze. He travels the country teaching others how to play.
David Conklin: "This is my 17th year and the skill level just keeps going up. The kids that come back, the clinics that we do, the camps, it's part of my life and I give back as much as I can. "
Besides the sport, players say they like the camaraderie they share.
Hope Bevilhymer, National Ability Center Team: "We are a team, so it's like an extra family that I have. It's fun, exciting and we have a lot of fun at what we are doing."
And fun is what fuels these athletes, that and the pure joy of competing on an even playing field.
Casey Lenhart, Sled Hockey Player: "Anybody who would like to give this sport a try, we'd love to have you come out. Able bodies are welcomed. In fact, several people on our team are able bodied players, meaning they have no disabilities. So it's not just a disabled sport. And anybody who's every tried it loves it."
Competition continues tonight and tomorrow at the new Park City Ice Rink. If you'd like to watch, there are two games tonight starting at 7:30. Tomorrow the finals begin at 8:30 in the morning. It's free to attend.
