Amelia Park Arena to host 23rd Annual New England Sled Hockey Tournament

Amelia Park Arena will be hosting the 23rd Annual New England Sled Hockey Tournament from March 31st-April 2nd. The event is set to host 16 teams from all across the country, including the local Springfield Thunderbirds sled hockey organization.  

The mission of the New England Sled Hockey Tournament is to provide physically challenged athletes that play the game of sled hockey, an opportunity to compete in friendly fast-paced games.  

Players maneuver their single-runner sled by using one stick to push off and another to handle the puck. If players do not have the ability to handle both sticks, they can be assisted by “pushers”. Otherwise, the game follows the same rules and penalties as hockey.  

“This is probably my favorite event we have at the arena all year” said Kevin Chrisanthopoulos, President of the Amelia Park Arena Board of Trustees. “To see what the players are capable of out on the ice is really special. We are proud to host this event for our community and recommend everyone find their way down there to see what the tournament is all about.”  

Games will begin at 7am on Friday and go all the way until 11pm. Entry to the arena is free for all spectators and North Elm Butcher Block will be on site Friday and Saturday. Opening Ceremonies will take place Saturday at 12pm as Mayor Michael McCabe does the ceremonial puck drop. Amelia Park General Manager Billy Fellows will be doing a brief speech honoring the late Dale Wise, former New England Sled Hockey Director for over 20 years who passed in July of 2022. The Memorial Dale Wise Sportsmanship Award will also be presented to one of the participating teams. We invite everyone to come down and see some of the most talented athletes from across the nation.