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Two young hockey participants in red jerseys sit on blue skating aids at the edge of the ice while supporters stand behind them.
Article

Everyone Gets a Shot at Easterseals’ 4th Annual Disabled Hockey Jamboree

With support from the Anaheim Ducks, adaptive hockey gave players of all abilities the chance to learn, play and belong.

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More than 80 Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) participants and alumni took to the ice during the 4th annual Disabled Hockey Jamboree, presented by ESSC—the Official Disability Inclusion Partner of the Anaheim Ducks and the presenting partner of the Ducks Sled Hockey program.

Adaptive hockey opens the sport of ice hockey to people with a wide range of disabilities and of all ages, ensuring participation is shaped by ability, not just physical skill. 

Donnie, 15, who has received ABA services for the past five years from ESSC in Brea, got a chance to experience the Hockey Jamboree for the first time. 

Said his mom, Michelle, “It means a lot for him to participate with other children and to be able to participate in any type of sport because he’s very limited in what he can do. So this is very exciting."

“It’s extremely important to provide adaptive sports,” she continued. “There are not a lot of other opportunities in the community."

Participants practice skating and hockey skills across an indoor ice rink, with some using skating aids while coaches and supporters assist nearby.
A participant in adaptive hockey equipment maneuvers across the ice during a sled hockey practice at an indoor rink.
Spectators and hockey participants gather along the boards of an indoor ice rink, watching activities on the ice during an adaptive hockey event.

Where Ability Takes Center Ice

The Jamboree, which was hosted by Great Park Ice and FivePoint Arena in Orange County, offered participants the opportunity to learn about:

  • Sled Hockey, which utilizes specially designed sleds with adjustable blades, padded seats and safety features to allow players with mobility limitations to skate while seated, utilizing sticks to propel themselves across the ice.
  • Special Hockey, which uses standard equipment but adapts rules to be non-contact, without offside, icing, or penalties, making it accessible to players with developmental or cognitive differences.

Jamboree attendees received Ducks-branded jerseys and professional instruction from staff members and players from the San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey Team, as well as Anaheim Ducks alumni Jason Marshall, Jeff Friesen and David Karpa.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Captain Sarah Bettencourt founded the San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey program in 2014 and serves as director of hockey operations and team captain. A 2016 USA Hockey Disabled Athlete of the Year, she is a three-time world champion with the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Team and a four-time world champion para surfer.

Partners in Inclusion

Through partnerships like this, ESSC and the Anaheim Ducks continue to show that when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, everyone can play, compete and belong.

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