My New Sledge!

Being AB fairly hefty, strong, aggressive and gaining skill, I've been though a few sleds and sled adjustments. This has been a bit of a challenge for my buddy Lou the sledge builder. The evolution has included:
-narrowing the blade carrier (channel) to an inch wide
-increasing the material thickness of the blade carrier
-customizing the blade carrier to make it more monocot (none adjustable but we both know where my centre of gravity is.
-parabolic blades
-open bucket to closed molded "puck-stop" bucket.
-raising of seat height.
-adding "dump" to my bucket.
-added bracing from the blade carrier to the forward rails

My new sledge is a beast! While before, leaning into a turn I might touch down my seat onto the ice and go for an uncontrolled slide, the new height makes this virtually impossible unless I was checked. The height, while making balancing more tricky, also makes me more intimidating and more difficult to knock over. Turning now requires much less lean but if I do lean hard the turn is quick, tight and immediate although I do scrub off a little more energy than I use to. This later effect is now fading with a little technique adjustment.

Pictures on the "OCSHIP Sledge Hockey Challenge 2008 Ottawa Barbarians" slide show on the right.

Collingwood Ontario Paralympic Tournament

Jeremy is finally big and tough enough to play a tournament with the big guys! The tournament in Collingwood was quite an event. Not only was our favourite sport “Sledge Hockey” but many other winter sports were represented. The crème-de la crème of Ontario were there to compete (short of national team players of course). Jeremy is a lot like his dad in style of play. Not the greatest puck carriers but very effective in engaging puck carriers J. In his enthusiasm he managed to bend his sled but luckily arenas are chocked full of metal railings and the problem was quickly remedied. This event was very stressful for dad since he’s use to being on the ice but being able bodied was unable to play. Eastern Ontario competed against 5 other teams in as many games and took home a bronze. It could have been easily argued it should have been silver but for an unfortunate pool draw. Western Toronto was unarguably the best team and took the gold. All in all the event was very well run. There were very nice accommodations and food for the athletes, nice facilities for the competition and above average officiating. Special thanks to our coaches. Very special thanks to the Canadian Forces who were on hand. They were very helpful and gentlemen all.

See new slide show for pics!