How to Play Wheelchair Hockey
In the United States and Canada, people with disabilities enthusiastically play wheelchair hockey using electric (powered) wheelchairs. Electric wheelchair hockey is much like regular hockey except that it is played in a gymnasium instead of on an ice rink to allow the use of wheelchairs. This permits persons with even very severe physical disabilities to participate. Wheelchair hockey leagues have sprung up all across North America and the top competition now includes a national championship tournament. This article tells how to play wheelchair hockey according to the rules of the United States Electric wheelchair Hockey Association.
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Instructions
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Prepare the Area
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Prepare the playing area. Games are played in a gymnasium and preferably with a playing area the size of a basketball court. The hockey goals are six feet wide and three feet high and are placed at each end of the playing area.
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Get the teams ready to play. Teams consist of six players counting the goalie. For players who are not able to hold the hockey stick, athletic tape is used to fasten the stick to the wheelchair.
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Begin play with a face off. In electric wheelchair hockey a two inch diameter plastic ball is used along with lightweight plastic hockey sticks. This is a safety precaution since some players lack the mobility to dodge a swinging stick during the action.
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Play the game according to regular hockey rules. A league game lasts for three to fifteen minute periods. In some leagues overtime periods are used to break ties.
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Tips & Warnings
Organized wheelchair hockey in the United States and Canada is primarily “power chair” hockey. However, wheelchair hockey using manual wheelchairs is becoming popular as well and we may soon see national competition like what we now have in power wheelchair hockey.
