Unique action on ice

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — A free unique opportunity will be on display tonight and Saturday when those with disabilities and other squads will participate in a sled hockey tournament at Frontier Ice Arena.

"Adaptive sports are few and far between," said Mark Jones, a manager of local sled hockey teams.

"This is the only sports program of its kind within a 300-mile radius. The most important thing is to have fun, camaraderie, introduce the sport to the community and generate awareness to adaptive sports and sled hockey."

Showcase games of the TransCanada Sledfest, featuring the tournament's all-star team, are at 7 tonight against Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Local 2856 and Saturday at 6 p.m. against the Coeur d'Alene Minor Hockey Bantams at the arena, 3525 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d'Alene.

The ages of the athletes in the tournament range from 16 to 65.

Six teams, including four teams with athletes with disabilities, will compete in a round-robin tournament starting today at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. Games in the round-robin portion will be on half of the ice and four-on-four. A small net will be used and there are no goaltenders.

"It allows the players to touch the puck more and is more fast-paced," Jones said of the format.

A team from San Antonio, Texas, that won the tournament last year returns.

"They compete at a higher level," Jones said. "This is an opportunity for our players to meet those from out of town."

The nonprofit

Inland Northwest Disabled Veterans Sports Association (INDVSA) hosts the tournament, which is in its third year. Some, but not all, of the athletes are veterans.

“Participation in adaptive sports can be a life-changer for anyone overcoming a challenge, and it has proven effective and worthwhile in helping our disabled veterans of all genders and ages build stronger self-esteem, improved health perspective and a better life disposition," said Don Waddel, INDVSA vice president.

The event will also feature an expo aimed at educating attendees on programs available to those with disabilities.

"Someone with disabilities may not know where to turn, so this could help," said Jones, adding information will be available on archery, cycling, trap shooting and other activities.