Who Are the Pioneers?

The Central Vermont Pioneers are a diverse group of hockey enthusiasts who have found their way to play the sport they love through sled hockey. The team ranges in age from 8 to 72 years old, showcasing that hockey truly is a sport for all ages. Most team members have some type of physical challenge that makes sitting in a hockey sled the only way they can participate in this fast-paced sport.

The organization operates two teams:

• Travel Team: Players aged 14-72 who compete in tournaments throughout New England and nationally

• Recreational Team: A newer program where the youngest player is just 8 years old

A unique aspect of the Pioneers is the inclusion of four father-son duos on the team, highlighting the family-friendly nature of the program and the intergenerational appeal of sled hockey.

Team Activities

The Pioneers maintain a regular practice schedule, with weekly sessions that keep players sharp and foster team chemistry. Beyond their own development, the team is committed to growing the sport by holding clinics to introduce sled hockey to others who may benefit from playing.

The team travels extensively throughout the Northeast to compete in tournaments, representing Central Vermont with pride and determination.

Achievements

The Central Vermont Pioneers have an impressive record of success:

• 3-time Vermont State Champions

• 2-time Empire State Games Gold Medal Winners

These accomplishments demonstrate the team's competitive spirit and the high level of play they've achieved.

Benefits of Being a Pioneer

The organization emphasizes that being a Pioneer is about much more than just playing hockey. Team members benefit from:

• Belonging to a team and commitment to each other

• The excitement of competition and fun

• Exercise and physical activity

• Encouragement and support

• Striving to do one's best

• Being part of the community

• The satisfaction of improvement through hard work

• Most importantly: life-long friendships

Get Involved

The Central Vermont Pioneers are active on social media and welcome community support. For those interested in learning more about the team, donating, or getting involved, visit their website at centralvermontpioneers.org or find them on Facebook.

The Central Vermont Pioneers prove that with the right equipment, support, and determination, hockey truly is a sport for everyone. Their success on the ice and their commitment to growing the sport make them an inspiration to adaptive sports programs everywhere.

What is Sled Hockey?

Sled hockey is an ice sport that allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the popular winter sport. The concepts and rules are the same as "stand-up" hockey, but instead of skating on their feet, participants sit on an adaptive device known as a sled. To propel themselves, players use two shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and metal picks for propulsion on the other end.

Hard checking, pin-point passing, and 60-mile-per-hour slap shots are as much a part of sled hockey as they are in "stand-up" hockey. From beginners to the most aggressive competitors, Northeast Passage welcomes all participants to try the sport or be a part of their teams.

Programs Offered

Slip Into A Sled

One of Northeast Passage's innovative outreach programs is "Slip Into A Sled," a team-building program that gives hockey players of all ages and abilities the exclusive opportunity to try sled hockey firsthand. Its intent is to increase knowledge of the Paralympic sport within the New England hockey community while simultaneously reinforcing the notion that hockey is for everyone.

Participants get the opportunity to slip into sleds alongside members of Northeast Passage's nationally ranked sled hockey teams and not only learn how to play the sport directly from them, but also how the sport has impacted their lives. Slip Into A Sled serves as a humbling and eye-opening experience for participants in addition to giving them a chance to try something fun, new, and exciting.

Host teams or organizations are responsible for obtaining 90 minutes of ice time for Slip Into A Sled, in addition to paying a $500 contracted service fee for equipment and staffing. Northeast Passage will come to your rink with 25 sleds and 25 pairs of sled hockey sticks to create an unforgettable experience for all!

Partnerships and Support

Northeast Passage's sled hockey programs are made possible through generous partnerships and support:

• Phillips Exeter Academy and St. Paul's School provide crucial ice time support

• Homer Family Foundation and Grimshaw–Gudewicz Charitable Foundation provide additional support

• USA Hockey affiliation ensures quality programming and competitive opportunities

• Move United member organization

The program is also recognized as a Certified Veteran Ready Organization, demonstrating their commitment to serving veterans with disabilities.

Contact Information

Northeast Passage is located at:

For more information about the sled hockey programs, athlete development opportunities, or the Slip Into A Sled program, visit their website at nepassage.org/sled-hockey or check out their event calendar.

Northeast Passage's sled hockey programs exemplify the organization's mission to provide innovative recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through their competitive teams, youth development programs, and community outreach initiatives like Slip Into A Sled, they continue to prove that hockey truly is for everyone.