Athletes to slide into New England Invitational |
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March 10, 2010.
By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
WESTFIELD -- Sixteen teams from across the country will compete at Amelia Park Ice Arena next month to decide who will be champion of the 12th annual New England Sled Hockey Invitational Tournament.
The adult and junior divisions will be represented by teams from the Pioneer Valley, including the Western Mass. Knights and the Springfield Sliders, respectively. Past and present Paralympians are part of the lineup as well as patients of Shriners Hospital, representing the Sliders.
"They're just as competitive and tough as anyone else. It's just remarkable and a testament to their will," Carole Appleton, co-head coach of the Knights and Sliders, said. "The mere stories that you find people that are paralyzed or have some other disease and it's just amazing that they get out there."
Appleton noted this year the Sliders may not have their best showing, having lost six players to the adult division but, "we have to give 110 percent."
She said this will be the Knights' first time playing in the tournament, boasting a roster of 20 players ages 18 to 55.
"For me, the goal is not to win the whole thing but I think each child has a different goal based on their abilities," Caryn France, co-head coach of the Sliders and physical therapist at Shriners Hospital, said. "My goal is for them to work together as a team."
She added the tournament is also "a nice culmination of a year of hard work."
France said in addition to her players learning the fundamentals of the game, they also gain knowledge of sportsmanship and other psycho-social skills.
She added her players also get to meet adults and Paralympians with similar disabilities.
"We are thrilled to be hosting this most inspiring event and bringing the great game of sled hockey to the folks of Western Mass.," Albert Ferst, chair of the board of the Amelia Park Ice Arena, said. "It's so wonderful to see these athletes of all ages shine."
The 12th annual New England Sled Hockey Invitational Tournament will take place April 16 through 18 from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with championship games on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Attendance is free.
To volunteer at the tournament or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, call Appleton at 348-6372.
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