Three Monroe County youths play in Taylor sled hockey program
TAYLOR – “I got my first goal. I was like holy cow!”
Conner Adcock could not contain his excitement.
The 9-year-old from Flat Rock who suffers from cerebral palsy has become a hockey player thanks to a sled hockey program at Taylor Sportplex.
Conner is hooked on hockey.
“I like playing with my team and being on the ice,” he said.
The Belle Tire Sled Hockey novice team members were smiling, getting ready to put on their game faces on as they were about to take the ice for the recent Motown Sled Hockey Tournament.
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These kids were strapped into a sled and carried on the ice by their parents or grandparents.
Adcock and Callie Higdon-Hamilton, 7, of Monroe are members of the novice team. Jordynn Bibb, 14, of Monroe is on the junior team.
During the game, Callie and Conner are helped by an adult to push them on their sleds around on the ice as the others will use the sticks.“It’s hard,” said Conner who has played for four years. “That is why my dad (Steve) helps me get around on the ice.”When the puck is dropped, the children pass the puck on both sides of the sled with the short hockey sticks.The hockey sticks serve a dual purpose as metal picks on the bottom help propel players forward. They are also able to shoot, pass, and receive a pass with both hands.Callie who has spina bifida, has been playing for more than a year.
“I like to be with the kids,” she said.
Bibb, who also has spina bifida, is a goalie.
“I like playing sled hockey because I get to be around other kids like myself and it is nice that I have made so many friends,” she said.
She loves seeing newcomers pick up the game. “I like being a leader for the little kids,” said Jordyn.There was a lot of excitement for the children on the novice Belle Tire team after they finished their first game with a win. The teams in the tournament came from Ohio, Michigan and Indiana for this tournament.
“We have two more games,” one player yelled with excitement.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 'Holy cow!': Sled hockey program gets challenged youths on the ice Front Headline *
