Formerly known as ‘Sled Hockey’, Para Hockey is a fast-paced sport designed to allow participants who have a physical disability (particularly of the lower limbs) to play the game of ice hockey. First appearing at the Lillehammer 1994 Winter Paralymics, it’s now one of the most popular sports at the Winter Paralympic Games.
Para-Ice Hockey follows the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) with a few modifications. Instead of skates, players use two-blade sleds that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting. And men and women play together!
Get a better idea of this rapid and highly-entertaining sport by watching the video below, courtesy of Paralympics Australia.
3 Steps to Playing Para Hockey
Come & Try (or Watch!)
Anyone is welcomed to try out Para Hockey, not just people with an impairment in the lower part of their body.
Para Ice Hockey Queensland holds Come’N’Try events a few times a year at Iceworld™ Boondall.
You can also see if the icy environment is for you by visiting one of Iceworld™’s Disability Sessions – click here to learn more.
Join a Club
Para Ice Hockey Queensland are a club affiliated with Ice Hockey Queensland and Ice Hockey Australia.
The volunteer-led Club delivers weekly sessions at Iceworld™ Boondall. Scroll down for more details.
Go for Gold!
If you’re interested in representing Australia in Para-Hockey, visit Paralympics Australia for more information on the Winter Paralympic Sport.
For more information on Classification, please refer to the World Para Ice Hockey Classification Rules published at paralympic.org.
Para Ice Hockey Queensland
Based at Iceworld™ Boondall, Para Ice Hockey Queensland (PIHQ) welcome anyone to try the sport. PIHQ supports people with and without mobility limitations and encourages able-bodied friends and family to have a go. The organisation is affiliated with Ice Hockey Queensland and provides opportunities to play against interstate teams and support athletes aspiring to represent Australia at World Titles.
PIHQ deliver weekly sessions at Iceworld™ Boondall during school terms on Wednesdays, 10:30am – 12:30pm.
Sign Up!
If you are interested in learning more about Para Ice Hockey and giving it a go, please email the Club to learn more and to arrange your first trial.
