For over a decade Hurricanes Sled Hockey has made it their mission to do what others say can’t be done. “We just want to reach anyone who thinks they can’t play hockey,” said Kelly Jacoby, the manager of Hurricanes Sled Hockey. In 2009 her family started Hurricanes Sled Hockey so her son Tyler could participate in the game he loved. “We were told a lot about what my son wouldn’t be able to do. A lot of our players have that same perspective. They were told what they couldn’t do, not what they could. We didn’t think that’s the right way to approach things,” Kelly said.
As the Carolina Hurricanes entered the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals Tyler Jacoby was four years old. His Spina Bifida diagnosis didn’t stop his young mind from dreaming. Attending every home playoff game that season he started telling his parents that he was going to play hockey. Just like the guys zooming around the ice. Kelly Jacoby was thrilled that her son had this dream but she wasn’t sure what she could do about it.
After some online research and continued encouragement, Tyler became the first in North Carolina to play sled hockey in 2009. There wasn’t a team in Carolina yet so he played for whoever would have him. Whether in Florida or Tennessee, it didn’t matter as long as he could play. Hockey parents are known for doing a lot for their children. Long road trips, weekends spent in hotel rooms, and the large amount of financial support it takes to participate in hockey. Parents as a whole make sacrifices for their kids without a second thought. Yet, what the Jacoby’s did next wasn’t just for their child it was for the wider community.
“It’s been wonderful,” Kelly Jacoby said about working with the Hurricanes organization to spread the word about sled hockey. “Once we got serious that it was something we really wanted to grow here we reached out.” There are now over 50 athletes participating in Hurricanes Sled Hockey. Military veterans, cancer survivors, amputees, and players born with congenital disorders of all ages get a chance to participate.
This morning’s invitation to development camp was another opportunity to spread the word about sled hockey. Hurricanes prospects also had the opportunity to experience sled hockey for themselves. “You always watch on TV and see how graceful those guys are. You think it’s easier than it is. But it’s super hard to get going,” Hurricanes prospect Bryce Montgomery said. “I definitely have more respect towards those guys. That’s really hard and uses a lot of upper-body strength.”
Montgomery is listed at 6 feet 4 inches tall and 224 pounds. Making it difficult for him to recover after falling over while strapped to the sled. Tyler Jacoby told the assembled media after the event that he was excited to teach the prospect how to play sled hockey. Giving them pointers on balancing and moving around the ice.
Hurricanes Sled Hockey has come a long way since its founding in 2009. When Hurricanes alumni Eric Cole was the first to donate to the newly formed organization. But with more players comes more expenses, an increased need for ice time, and hope for even more athletes. When I asked Kelly Jocoby what fans should do if they’re interested in helping she kept it simple. “Please reach out to Hurricanes Sled Hockey,” she said. Following the organization on social media might seem small, but it helps spread to word to those who might not yet know they have the opportunity to play.
If you want to learn more about Hurricanes Sled Hockey you can visit their website here. Or, find them on social media by searching “Hurricanes Sled Hockey”.
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