Welcome to the home of
The Woolwich Thrashers

Woolwich Sledge Hockey (also known as The Woolwich Thrashers) started in 2009. In the early years of the organization, there were often only a few players on the ice during Saturday practice. We now typically have a roster of over 30 players.

The organization has also evolved into three programs. The “Fundamentals” group is comprised of young players who are learning the basics. The “Junior League Team” and “Open C League Team” participate in league games across south-western Ontario and play in two annual tournaments.

What is Sledge Hockey?

Sledge hockey, now also called para ice hockey, began in Europe in 1966 and was introduced to Canada in 1982. It has been a part of the Paralympic Games since 1994 and has become one of Canada’s fastest growing parasports.

Sledge hockey follows the rules of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which are very similar to those of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), with a few sport-specific modifications.

Players sit in a sledge which is comprised of a metal frame and a bucket-like seat with two blades attached underneath. Players propel themselves across the ice using two sticks that are tipped with a six-point pick. Players are fully equipped with the same equipment and protection that would be worn for able-bodied hockey.