PHOTOS BY Getty Images; Images On Ice; USA Hockey Archive
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// JAN/FEB 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM
HE U.S. PARALYMPIC SLED HOCKEY TEAM
has been a pristine example of success on the
international stage, carrying an unprecedent-
ed streak of four consecutive Paralympic gold
medals into the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games
March 6-15 in Milan, Italy.
The team's relentless winning ways are driven
by a lot more than just pure on-ice talent. Under
the hood, there is a commitment to excellence.
Josh Pauls, the only four-time Paralympic
gold medalist in the history of the sport and cap-
tain of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team since
2018, has played a key role in establishing the culture that has been
foundational in the sustained success of the team.
"Some of us have been together for almost 20 years, and we
have that longevity and staying power," said Pauls. "But we also
continue to replenish with hungry, younger guys, and they keep
us older guys hungry, too. When that combination happens, it's
easy to be captain.
The leadership within the group extends beyond Pauls, a native of
Green Brook, New Jersey.
CHEMISTRY,
COMMITMENT
& DRIVE
The U.S. Paralympic Sled
Hockey Team Eyeing Historic
Fifth Consecutive Paralympic
Gold Medal
by SEAMUS KELLEY
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Brody Roybal
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Josh Pauls
