Rink

the Virtua Wings of Steel club team, based out of southern New Jersey. "Flyers Skate Zone is very proud to have the Virtua Wings of Steel call us 'home,'" said Comcast-Spectacor Vice President of Rink Management & Development Pat Ferrill. "It is truly an honor and a pleasure to witness the effort and purity of the sport of hockey displayed by these athletes, and we wish the program much growth and success in the future." The Virtua Wings of Steel organiza- tion, started by Tom Brake and Tom Koester (Lafayette Hill, Penn.) is widely recognized in the area, providing oppor- tunities for those who have a physical dis- ability to play the game of ice hockey. The sport has come a long way over the past decade. "Years ago, you would see a lot of talent out there, but no place for them to play. That is no longer the case," said Brake. Together, Brake and Koester have worked tirelessly to provide exposure and raise awareness of this sport through- out the community. Their ideas and vision have been well received by many, and the sport's popularity is growing. Whether you are a regular follower of these great athletes or watching a sledge hockey game for the first time, it really is a remarkable sight to see how skillful and talented these players actually are. The development six years ago of the United States National Junior Sledge Hockey Team has given players the opportunity to team up with fellow col- leagues throughout the country and compete nationally and internationally. This team opens the door for experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. After giving themselves a few weeks to celebrate this year's WSHL title, the 2009- 2010 team recently traveled to Burnaby, British Columbia to compete in a three- game exhibition series against the Sledge Team Ontario. Held in conjunction with the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, this trip gave the U.S. team an opportunity to face strong competition at the international level. More importantly, the players and their families had a chance to witness history, culminating their week by attend- ing the United States Paralympic Sled Hockey Team's gold medal-clinching victory against Japan at the Paralympic Winter Games. Something tells me many of these same players will share a similar experi- ence in the future, this time celebrating on the ice together with gold medals hanging from their necks. ★ 44 R INK MAGAZ INE may/june 2010 STARrinks.com Sledge Success

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