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STARRINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2016 / 41 "You need a point person," USA Hockey Chairperson of Disabled Hockey J.J. O'Connor said. "Kind of a go-getter that wants to organize and fundraise and do all of the things that go into building a suc- cessful program." O'Connor, the man at the forefront of the Sled Lending Program, which sends sleds and sticks around the country wher- ever they are needed for a short period of time, knows all too well that the financial commitment can be a challenge. With the cheapest sleds ranging from $500-$600 and a few sticks at $30-$40 a pop, the expenses are enormous even before a player takes the ice. In terms of changes to facilities them- selves, sled accessible benches, where the bench is popped out so the athletes don't have to sit on the ice, are a nice touch, but they aren't a deal breaker. Those types of changes are typically found at the upper echelon of the game. Then there is the question of utmost importance. Is starting a sled hockey pro- gram worth it? Undoubtedly, the rewards are mutual for both the facility and the player. "A lot of these programs have kids with disabilities that want to play hockey," said Dan Brennan, Director of U.S. National Sled and Inline Teams. "All of the rinks that are sled accessible have seen growth. It is a great part of the community because in the end it is all hockey." The emotional aspect is incredibly ben- eficial too. "It's what is so infectious about our great game," Brennan said. "It doesn't matter whether you have disabilities or not. The second you get out there and start playing, there's a sense of freedom that you don't get in your everyday work life or school life." With a passionate rink owner, dedicated workers, and players that have an interest in the game, incorporating sled hockey into the local community can garner success on a multitude of levels. "If you are looking to change people's lives, that is how you do it," O'Connor said. "You can't put a price tag on that." J , Success with the U.S. National Sled Team has increased the popularity of sled hockey across the U.S. I N S P I R E D B Y N A T U R A L L I G H T PHONE 1.832.717.5750 FAX 1.501.694.3330 EMAIL advice@constellationlighting.us 21175 Tomball Parkway, Suite 114 Houston TX 77070 L E D d e s i g n a n d m a n u f a c t u r e r