Local Athletes Hope to Bring Sled Hockey Team to Community

Local Athletes Hope to Bring Sled Hockey Team to Canton

As the cold winds of February blow outside, inside the Center Ice Sports Complex in Jackson, a trio of athletes is gearing up for a photo shoot. Brian Brately of Green, Jacob Baker of Hartville, and Patrick Brennan of Ashland are on a mission to bring a sled hockey team for disabled athletes to the Canton area this fall.

Having played sled hockey for years on teams outside the area, the three men understand the positive impact the sport can have on participants. Baker shared, “I started playing the sport in sixth grade, and it helped me a lot with my confidence. It’s also led to me meeting a lot of lifelong friends. When I got married, half of my wedding party was made up of people I had met through sled hockey.”

Brennan added, “It helps you with your feelings of independence. When you are on the ice, you are no longer defined by what you can’t do. It becomes about what you can do.”

The trio formed the Canton Tuskies with the goal of bringing sled hockey to the Center Ice Sports Complex. They have received support from the community, including local businesses like Buffalo Wild Wings in Canton, who helped with fundraising efforts.

With plans to start playing this September or October, the team is working diligently to raise awareness and funds for the upcoming season. Interested participants or community members can visit the Canton Tuskies website for more information or to make a donation.

As they continue to work towards their goal, the team remains optimistic about the impact sled hockey can have on disabled athletes in the community. Brately expressed, “We believe it’s something that will really help people in our position in the community.”

With determination and support from the community, the Canton Tuskies are on track to make their dream of a sled hockey team in Canton a reality.