Camp has officially begun for Sled Hockey Combine

The Boundary Waters Sled Hockey Combine begun its weeklong camp today and has speakers from the WILD hockey team to multi-medal Paralympians.

Starting seven years ago, the Boundary Waters Sled Hockey Combine has been supporting and bringing sled hockey players from all over North America. Starting in Superior, WI, they head all over the northlands for this program.

From previous players of the wild hockey team to multi-medal winning Paralympians, the camp offers daily seminars and experiences for those of all ages in the combine. Tony lang, the co-director of the program, explained about the programs plans and guests.

What is entailed with the Combine?

“So, it’s a weeklong combine where we focus on sled hockey. We have coaches come in from the national program. One long time national player, Chris Douglas has been with us from the beginning and he’s really leading our players on the ice.”

Once they are done in Superior, they go up to Ely at Veterans on the Lake, Falls Lake. And that’s where their week is based out of there. The camp is based out of there. Tony continues to give a glimpse of the camp’s activities.

“A lot of hockey in the morning, Monday and Tuesday. And then we go to heavy metal functional fitness in Ely, Michelle Moore, and she teaches and focuses on training off the ice. And it’s very creative and not just typical lifting of free weights as the name entails, functional fitness. And she teaches our players a lot of stuff.”

Guest Speakers

He then shared some of the big names they have speaking every day. As former players as well as coaches of the MN WILD hockey team were speaking alongside with.

“Josh Paules is a long-time captain of the national sled hockey team, several gold medals. And he’ll be leading, he’ll be coaching all week, but he’ll be leading a seminar on setting goals and achieving goals. And just being very proactive and thoughtful about that. So we share that with our players.

Ralph D. Quebec, also a national sled hockey player, two gold medals. He’s a Purple Heart recipient. He’s a Marine veteran. He’s a hero. And he’s an incredible role model. And he’ll be sharing his story and some of his values and views with our players.” Alongside many other guest speakers.

Getting family on the ice

Tony also expressed his personal connection to the program with the Vice President, Dan Lilya, and how they aim to lift the players up throughout the course of the camp.

“They both started sled hockey when they were about eight, nine years old. And one was born with a broken back. My son had a spinal cord injury. And life changes very quickly. They don’t get to choose their path, but this is what came their way. And Dan and I, as their parents, as their dads have always said, man, if they come out of our combine, our camp or their sled hockey experience with independence and confidence, it’s the biggest thing that we want to pass along.”

“So, if these young players can receive some mentorship or they can see from these Paralympians or even the older players that have come back in the different programs, then that’s by far the biggest thing we want to pass along. Independence, confidence in yourself.”

Joining the Camp

This program happens through the Hendrickson Foundation. They are a non-profit organization that is based out of Minneapolis that raises money for and supporting hockey for people with disabilities. And that includes sled hockey, like BWSC, and Wounded Warrior Hockey, which is a large program here in Minnesota.

From Special hockey, which is hockey more for people with cognitive delays, even blind and hard of hearing hockey, to other disabilities they offer and encourage for those interested in joining to reach out and they will find what program is best suited for you.

“It could be a life changing decision. I know I can speak for some of our players that have been through the program. It undoubtedly has changed your life in a positive way.”