What is Para Ice Hockey?

Para Ice Hockey is fast, physical, fun and seriously addictive! It gives athletes with lower limb disabilities the chance to experience all the skill, strategy, teamwork and excitement of traditional ice hockey — just with a sled instead of skates.

Played in specially designed sleds, Para Ice Hockey combines speed, competition, skill and plenty of camaraderie. It’s a sport where everyone has a role, everyone works together, and there’s always plenty happening on the ice!

Whether you’re an experienced athlete, a recreational participant, or you’ve never picked up a hockey stick in your life, Para Ice Hockey is a fantastic way to get on the ice, learn new skills, challenge yourself and become part of the hockey family.

How is Para Ice Hockey Played?

Players sit in a lightweight sled mounted on two skate blades and race around the ice using two short sticks. One end of each stick has picks to help propel players across the ice, while the other end is used to pass, stick-handle and shoot the puck.

The game follows rules similar to traditional ice hockey — so expect speed, strategy, teamwork, goals and the occasional bit of wonderfully chaotic hockey action! Para Ice Hockey is also a Paralympic sport and one of the most exciting events on the Winter Paralympic program.

An Inclusive Sport

Ice Hockey WA is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy the sport, regardless of experience, ability or background.

Para Ice Hockey in Australia is proudly inclusive, with athletes competing together regardless of gender. Participation, teamwork, skill development and community connection are at the heart of the sport.

Love hockey but don’t skate upright? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to try hockey and wondered if there was a way for you to play? Para Ice Hockey could be your ticket onto the ice!

Get Involved

The Garden Island Pirates are WA’s only Para Ice Hockey Club, based at Cockburn Ice Arena. Pirates players have gone on to represent Australia on the Para Ice Hockey world stage, and the club welcomes people keen to give this fantastic sport a go.

For more information about Para Ice Hockey programs and opportunities to get involved, contact the Garden Island Pirates via their Facebook page.