MAYWOOD, Ill. - In nine years, the Chicago Hornets sled hockey team, which consists of players who have physical disabilities, has never lost to an able-bodied team.
The Hornets extended their streak in a big way Sunday when they crushed Loyola Ortho, a team of Orthopaedic surgeons from Loyola University Medical Center, 10-2.
“They probably could have beat us 100-2,” said Loyola orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Pietro Tonino. “They are really good.”
The event raised $3,500 for the Hornets, a team that consists of disabled youths ages 5 to 20. Participation is free to players and supported by donations. The program was started by J.J. O’Connor, a former hockey player who suffered a major spinal cord injury in a hockey game.
In sled hockey, players sit on sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. Players propel themselves with the butt ends of the sticks and play the puck with the curved ends.
For more information, visit http://chicagohornets.org/