Camp participants received training from top coaches and members of the United States Hockey Association's National Sled Hockey Team to hone their on-ice skills.
DENVER — Three mentors A sled hockey camp held in Denver highlighted the importance of inclusion in sports and the impact it has on developing athletes of different abilities and identities.
USA Hockey’s National Sled Hockey Team and the Colorado Sled Hockey Association hosted a three-day camp at Big Bear Ice Arena in late May and early June, where participants received instruction from respected coaches and members of the National Sled Hockey Team to hone their on-ice skills.
Malik Jones, a 2022 Paralympic gold medalist from Aurora, was among the national team members who showed up to help out at the camp.
“This is where I'm meant to be, helping kids and trying to grow the sport,” Jones said. “It's nice to see kids who have disabilities but still love the sport and find something they love.”
Jones said she hopes others who look like her are inspired and realize they can do anything.
“People look at me and think, 'Oh, he's a man of color and he has a disability, but he's still living his life and achieving his dreams,'” Jones says. “It doesn't matter what you look like or what your disability is, you can achieve anything.” [if] If you just put your mind to it, work hard and be consistent, you really can achieve anything.”
Jones' accomplishments are a testament to that. Jerry DeVaal, president of the Colorado Sled Hockey Association and another instructor at the sled hockey camp, has witnessed Jones' talent and tenacity firsthand.
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“We did a study in Boulder and our player, Malik Jones, was recorded at 18.5 miles per hour from the goal line to half ice, which is impressive,” said Jerry DeWaal, president of the association. “Some of the players in the NHL are in their mid-20s, and he's right behind them, using his full upper body.”
DeWaal also recognized the importance of camps like the one in Denver.
“It's important to have camps like this because it gives kids an understanding of what it takes to grow throughout life,” he said.
Throughout his life, DeWaal has worked to promote the sport of sled hockey.
“We'll be going out anywhere there's an ice rink, from Grand Junction to Durango to Pueblo to Fort Collins to Greeley, and hosting sled hockey clinics to spread the word about what the sport is and where and how people can get involved,” DeWaal said.
The National Hockey League (NHL) recognized his efforts by naming Deval as a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award, which the NHL presents annually to an individual who has made a positive impact in their community through the game of hockey.
“Working with Willie O'Ree has been such a blessing because all this time I didn't think people were actually watching what I was doing,” he said.
Robin Hill, a Colorado native and defenseman for the U.S. Women's National Sled Hockey Team who also coached at a sled hockey camp in Denver, was named “Most Valuable Player” at the finals of the inaugural 2023 Para Ice Hockey Women's World Challenge.
“When I was growing up, there weren't any opportunities for female coaches,” Hill said. “Now kids can say, 'Women can play this sport, and I want to be like you.'”
Hill's presence was felt at the camp, which had one girl and six adult female athletes in attendance.
“It was a great experience to see so many girls out on the ice, as well as to be a mentor to them,” she said, “and to show the girls that there's one way to do something, but there's also another way to do something that's a little bit different as a female athlete.”
Hill echoed sentiments expressed by his fellow leaders at camp about how important it is to have inclusive spaces in sports and diversity among coaches.
“Everybody has a dream, and it plants the seed of that dream in their mind: 'You can do it, don't let anything stop you,'” she said.
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