Hockey is more than just a game.
It’s about teamwork, determination, and the thrill of competition. For the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey team, it’s also about inclusion, empowerment, and proving no challenge is too great.
What is Sled Hockey?
Sled hockey was created at a rehabilitation center in Stockholm, Sweden, in the 1960s by athletes who refused to let physical disabilities keep them off the ice. Using specially designed sleds and two short hockey sticks with picks on the ends, players propel themselves across the rink, passing, shooting, and checking, just like in traditional hockey. It’s fast, intense, and competitive, and today it’s a major event in the Paralympic Games.
How the Mighty Penguins Took Flight
Sled Hockey arrived in Pittsburgh in 1998, thanks to volunteers from the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Erie, PA. Their goal was simple but powerful: give children and young adults with physical disabilities the chance to experience the game they love. From that first team of determined players, the Mighty Penguins have grown into a nationally recognized program with over 70 players competing at various levels.
Their home? The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex is right here in Cranberry Township, where they share the ice with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
More Than a Game
Hockey teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, but for Mighty Penguins players, the impact goes far beyond the rink. The program builds self-confidence, independence, and friendships, all while keeping players active and engaged. Parents and guardians have seen firsthand how sled hockey provides physical and emotional benefits, proving that disabilities don’t define potential. The community has also supported the organization by donating ice time, equipment, customized hockey gear, and insurance. Volunteers give their time and skills to educate and help players on the ice.
Looking Ahead
With each season, the Mighty Penguins continue to expand, inspire and break barriers. Community support, generous sponsors, and dedicated volunteers allow athletes of all abilities to compete, grow, and be part of something bigger than the game itself.
In fact, members of the Cranberry Township Police Department will hit the ice for the annual Joyce Memorial Sled Hockey Tournament on April 5 at 4 p.m. and compete against teams from the Northern Regional, Adams Township, and Pittsburgh police departments. Proceeds from the event benefit the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey Program.
Whether cheering from the stands, volunteering, or donating, supporting the Mighty Penguins means helping dreams take flight, one glide at a time.
To learn more, get involved, or support the program, visit https://penguinssledhockey.org/