The United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (U.S. EWHA) was founded in early 1996. Our mission is to provide a quality hockey program for persons requiring the use of a power wheelchair in daily life. Our sport called Powerhockey™ is a competitive sports opportunity for the physically disabled.
Members of the first U.S. power wheelchair hockey team from Minnesota founded the U.S. EWHA after meeting the directors of the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) at the Canadian National tournament in Toronto (May-1995). Incorporated in Minnesota, our non-profit status was achieved when Disabled Sports USA approved us as a chapter member.
The U.S. EWHA established the first organized power wheelchair hockey league located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area in April 1997. Over 32 players (4 teams) competed in a 9 game regular season followed by playoffs. Locally our Minnesota PowerHockey™ League (MPHL) has weekly stats, players wear uniforms, referees call the game, awards are given such as MVP, we have playoffs and championships, press releases are sent to media for special occasions, and fans attend the games. The MPHL consists of 4 teams with players from cities such as Rochester, St. Cloud, and all around the Twin Cities.
PowerHockey™ is ideal for male and female participants, requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair. PowerHockey™ rules follow the basic rules found in any hockey league around the country. Offsides and penalties are a routine call during the game. Players can serve from 2 to 5 minute penalties for such things as interference, delay of game, holding, high sticking and roughing. Unlike other hockey leagues, PowerHockey™ requires a few adaptations to allow everyone to participate on an equal level. Some adaptations include using hockey sticks made from lightweight plastic or composite materials and a lightweight plastic ball is substituted for the puck. The games are played in a gymnasium (basketball court) instead of on ice.