ANNUAL N.E. SLED HOCKEY TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO AMELIA PARK IN APRIL

Amelia Park Arena in Westfield is proud to announce that they will be hosting the 14^th Annual New England Sled Hockey Invitational Tournament from April 27-29th.  The tournament, held for the tenth time at Amelia Park, will consist of adult and junior divisions competing throughout the weekend from 7am-11:30pm (Friday & Saturday) and championship games (Sunday) from 7am-4:30pm. 

Attendance to the tournament is FREE and will showcase over 200 athletes and coaches from eight states & Canada.  Past Paralympian & current National Team Players from the US will be participating. 

 “This tournament is truly amazing and really represents the mission of our rink,” said Carole Appleton, Executive Director of Amelia Park Ice Arena.  “It was always a favorite of Mr. Ferst’s and we are so proud to host these athletes, their families and friends once again at our facility.”

 The Pioneer Valley will have two teams of their own team participating, the Springfield Sliders, in the junior division, and the Western Mass Knights, in the adult division.  The Sliders, consisting of local patients from Shriners Hospital, and the Knights practice weekly at Amelia Park. 

 The weekend tournament not only includes competition by athletes but opportunities for fans to interact with the athletes as well.  Informal meet and greets with athletes will take place each day courtesy of Women’s Law Enforcement Association (WLEA).  The rink incurs all tournament and ice fees for the teams. 

 The New England Sled Hockey Invitational would not be possible without sponsors or volunteers.  If you are interested in being a part of this event, please contact Carole Appleton, Executive Director at Amelia Park Ice Arena, at 413-568-2503 or click here to download our sponsor form.

 Sled Hockey, or sledge hockey as it is known internationally, is a sport that was designed to allow participants who have a physical disability to play the game of ice hockey. Sled Hockey was invented in the early 1960s in Stockholm, Sweden at a rehabilitation center. It is currently one of the most popular sports in the Paralympic Games.

Amelia Park Ice Arena is an ice arena/sports complex and memorial garden, financed by the late Westfield philanthropist, Albert F. Ferst, in memory of his wife Amelia.  The Albert & Amelia Ferst Operating Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit entity, was formed in 1998, with the expressed purpose of building a recreational facility and garden in her memory. 

THANK YOU TO OUR 2010-11 SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT!
Advance Manufacturing
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American Legion Auxiliary
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Bamboo House
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Bertelli's
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CHD
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Mr. Albert Ferst
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Fortier Painting Inc
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