About Charleston Sled Hockey

The Charleston Thunder, established as a non profit organization, offers adaptive ice hockey or “sled” hockey to youth and adults who are unable to skate in a standing position due to a physical disability.

The Thunder was formed in 2015, under USA Disabled Hockey. The program is supported in part by donations and grants.  Currently, the only cost to the players is the annual fee to join USA Hockey.  We plan to sustain this low cost option for as long as we can, but it is not guaranteed.  Each player is loaned a sled, hockey sticks, a wheeled bag, and protective gear. Players and family members are encouraged to support the program through volunteer assistance on or off the ice and participate in fundraisers each hockey season. As with all not-for-profit organizations, fundraising is on-going. Some players purchase their own equipment or apply for grants to use to purchase their own equipment.

During practice, players learn how to put on and care for their protective gear, get on and off the ice in a sled and play hockey. Adult and teen volunteers with hockey experience assist each week.  On ice and off ice volunteers are always needed.

The Thunder’s  season is late September/early October  through the end of March, once a week for an hour.  Our current time slot is Monday evening, 5:45-6:45.  Players are encouraged to arrive by 5:15 to suit up and be ready to be on the ice at 5:45.

Coaches and volunteers are USA Hockey registered, certified and professionally screened. You can expect coaches and volunteers to display professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

A year end pizza party is held in the spring each year to celebrate the end of the season.