MANCHESTER, NH – A weekend sled hockey game will take place at JFK Coliseum to benefit wounded, ill and injured veterans and military members.
On March 10 the New England Warriors, an adaptive hockey program for veterans, will face off against the Boston Shamrocks at the city-owned ice rink, located at 303 Beech St. The community is invited to come out and support area veterans who play sled hockey as they compete against each other in Manchester for the first time!
The event is made possible by the City of Manchester’s Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Division, and the Manchester Veterans Administration Medical Center.
The New England Warriors is a branch of the USA Warriors adaptive ice hockey team, who participate for the physical as well as mental benefits of physical activity. Because the NE Warriors are the only adaptive sled hockey team in Maine, they also invite non-veteran players who are physically disabled as well as youth players who have no other outlet for youth sports.
NE Warriors rely on team fundraising and donations to cover the cost of equipment and uniforms, including:
- Sled – a brand new sled can cost $1,500-1,800
- Sticks: $180 per pair
- Protective gear (helmets, pads) about $210
- Sheet of ice for practice: $200-300
- Travel expenses: $150-300 per person; airfare – $400-600
- League dues: $1,800 per season
- Uniform: Two jerseys and socks per player, $170.
Puck drop is at 4:30 p.m. Admission is FREE, and veterans of all abilities are invited to experience sled hockey after the game. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will benefit future play by the sled hockey teams, including travel to regional games, and purchasing sleds and needed equipment. Donations will be accepted as well.
Make the holidays brighter for veterans. This could be the start of life-changing events for so many veterans in the Manchester area as we grow the sport in the city!
For more information, contact jhorvath@manchesternh.gov.
To find out more about supporting the New England Warriors, contact Ramsdell at ramsdelli@icloud.com
Editor’s Note: This event was rescheduled from a previous date.
