Watch those sticks! The crew at Wheelchair Hockey League of Michigan are hot on the sport of wheelchair hockey.
In their ninth season, the WHLM brings together people of all ages in a 12 week season of competitive wheelchair hockey that culminates in the Wheeler’s Cup Championship. Hey, move over Mr. Stanley and let some wheelers roll in.
The Wheelchair Hockey League of Michigan (WCHL) was created for the enjoyment of participating in hockey. The purpose of this league is to provide an appropriate means for wheelchair users to have the opportunity to play hockey, and have the chance to engage in the competition and excitement of the sport. The League includes players in powered and manual wheelchairs. The league currently has over 39 players, divided into four teams.
Players range in age from 10 to 60+, and have disabilities that include Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Injury. Players use a variety of sticks to play, depending on their upper body strength and ability to grip the stick. Some players add on a dowel though the blade of the stick and other players use “Double Sticks”. Double Sticks are two sticks fastened together, with the blades forming a V, and strapped to the player’s legs and chair frame. Games are played 4 on 4, with goalies.
This all sounds like great fun! If you’re into wheelchair hockey or want to get hot on hockey you can check out the Wheelchair Hockey League of Michigan at their website for more information, videos, photos and more.
