The Seattle Kraken sled hockey team will compete in the Mountain West Sled Hockey Tournament from September 27 to 29 in Park City, Utah. Joining them will be the newly formed Utah Hockey Club, debuting their sled hockey team. Eight NHL-affiliated sled hockey teams are scheduled to play four games, divided into two pools, with a semifinal and championship game to follow. This event is sponsored by USA Hockey and the Utah Sled Hockey Association, featuring skaters from the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies who will also compete in sleds.
The rise in popularity of sled hockey can be traced back to the United States winning its first Paralympic medal during the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games held in Salt Lake City. This achievement increased the sport's visibility and led to the team's induction into the Hall of Fame. In Utah, the adaptive sports community has been thriving ever since.
Enrollment in Seattle Adaptive Sports has surged, thanks in part to the Seattle Kraken's engagement with the local hockey community. Last season, the Kraken awarded $32,000 to their sled team through the Heroes of the Deep initiative.
Thom Youngblood, GM of the Kraken's sled hockey team, expressed excitement for the upcoming tournament and shared his team's goals for the season. Over the summer, the roster expanded significantly, growing to 12 full-time players, along with additional part-time skaters and newly recruited pushers. Youngblood also hopes the Mountain West Sled Hockey Tournament will pave the way for future matchups with Utah, possibly including a game in the Pacific Northwest.
