Northeast Sled Hockey League Tourney At East Haven Ice Rink: Mayor

EAST HAVEN, CT —A few months ago, the Northeast Sled Hockey League reached out to East Haven town officials about perhaps using the town's completely renovated East Haven Veteran's Memorial Ice Rink for a "major" event.

They did not have to ask twice. East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora said the town will "make them feel right at home."

"This tournament marks a thrilling moment for East Haven, and it coincides with the impressive renovations at our ice rink," he said. "I’m delighted that NESHL chose East Haven as the host for their tournament. We’re committed to making them feel right at home, and I eagerly anticipate showcasing the beauty of our rink."

The Hudson Street rink is expected to be full of fans sled hockey fans. Scheduled for this weekend, the tournament boasts an impressive lineup of teams, including the host team, the Gaylord Wolfpack, alongside the USA Warriors, New York Rangers, and Northeast Passage Wildcats from the University of New Hampshire, Carfora said. Each team will engage in two games against every opponent.

Founded in 2005 in Connecticut, the Northeast Sled Hockey League is a non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting regional sled hockey. It proudly stands as the first multi-state co-ed sled hockey league in the U.S., drawing teams and athletes from various states, Carfora said.

"We are proud that they recognize the changes and improvements in our facilities and desired to have athletes and fans descend on our town this weekend," said town Economic Development director Michelle Benivegna.

According to the town, NESHL athletes span diverse age groups, ranging from 15 to 60, and many of them function with "mobility impairments."

"Remarkably, about 22 percent of its athletes are disabled veterans," it's noted in a news release.

"Sled hockey, an adaptive version of ice hockey, is a high-octane sport played by individuals with lower limb mobility impairments," it's noted. "It mirrors the competitiveness and spirit of traditional 'stand-up' hockey."

The NESHL Metropolitan division kickoff event at the East Haven Veteran's Memorial Ice Rink
begins Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m.

Visit www.neshl.org for more info.