First-ever sledge game at SLS Centre next Friday

The Cochrane Generals will have their hands full trying to play a game of sledge hockey against some of the best in the province and Canada.

For the first-time ever, a sledge hockey game is being played in Totem One at the SLS Centre on Fri. Jan. 26 at 7: 30 p.m. to raise funds for Sledge Hockey Calgary.

The game features some players from Team Canada, Team Alberta and from the Calgary region, including Cochrane.

Gens president Rick Richards, who is a volunteer with Sledge Hockey Calgary, wants to grow awareness for the sport, raise some desperately needed funds, help grow the sport, and expose the Gens players to a game he calls absolutely amazing.

All proceeds will go in support of Sledge Hockey Calgary. Besides the gate, draws and raffles will be held, and sponsorships are being sought.

Richards says the costs add up quickly to be equipped to play the game.

"We'd like to raise as much money as we can so they can buy more sleds, more sticks, because there's families that have handicapped children that can't afford that, and we just want to make it more accessible for them."

Gens will be playing the sport for the first time on the specialized sled and Richards expects them be lessoned in the game. 

Richards says the Cochrane club intends to take it a step further. He says the aim is to encourage their players to take in sledge games and even step up to volunteer.

"Sledge Hockey Calgary has teams that come from all over Canada to their tournament, and it's always at WinSport. Hopefully, we'll have some players from the Generals who can volunteer to help out and make a difference."

In turn, they'll be inviting sledge players to attend Gens games.

"It's just incredible hockey, so we want to make this an ongoing collaboration, not just one night."

Richards says SLS Centre officials are excited about hosting the game and have been working with sledge hockey officials to make sure everything is ready go.

"They have been very accommodating and they're very excited because it fits within their mandate of accessibility and wanting everybody to be able to come to the rink and play their favorite sport."