• What is Powerhockey?

  Powerhockey is wheelchair hockey specifically for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair during daily life. Power wheelchair users have commonly been excluded from competitive sports because most people believe they are just too physically weak. PowerHockey proves that thought wrong.

• Who Plays Powerhockey?

  Powerhockey is for both male and female participants. The primary source of strength and speed involved in the sport comes from the wheelchair. This allows both male and female participants, of all ages, to compete with and/or against each other on an equal level. The age range of participants varies.

  Many participants of Powerhockey have disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and severe spinal cord injuries. Although these types of disabilities cause severe PHYSICAL disability, all participants of Powerhockey must have the cognitive ability to follow general rules, strategy and other aspects of sport.

• Why is Powerhockey commonly played on a basketball court?

  The most obvious reason is ice and wheelchairs are not totally compatible. (NOTE: Although it has been tried, and is not totally impossible.)

  Some not-so-obvious reasons: A high percentage of Powerhockey participants have severe upper-respiratory concerns, meaning long periods of time in cold climates can cause health problems; and excess clothing, to sustain warmth, will impede players ability to play hockey.

  The size of a basketball court seems to be the best floor size when considering the speed of wheelchairs and the general flow of Powerhockey. If Powerhockey was played on a larger surface such as an ice or roller rink, the game takes on the look of a much slower paced game. Simply think what would happen, if the NHL would play on a sheet of ice as large as a soccer field. The speed and intensity would not be the same.

• What type of equipment is used?

  As with any sport, uniformity of equipment is important. Because many participants do not have the strength to lift heavy objects (such as wood sticks) the sport is played with all-plastic hockey sticks (both shaft and blade). A plastic ball is substituted for a puck, allowing greater movement during the game. Many players simply use the power of their wheelchair to move and control the ball.

  The use of protective equipment, such as shin guards and eye protection is highly encouraged however at this time it remains optional. Powerhockey is a fairly low contact sport. Most contact during the sport is primarily from wheelchairs bumping each other side to side.

• What are the rules?

  Powerhockey follows many of the same rules found in any ice hockey league, such as the NHL. Of course, rules are adapted to fit the ability of power wheelchair users. For example, Powerhockey goaltenders do not have the ability to reach down and freeze the puck (ball). Thus, the referee blows the whistle when the ball is under the goalie’s wheelchair, prompting a frozen puck (ball). (REFER TO OFFICIAL RULES HERE)

• Is Powerhockey just for power wheelchair users?

  Powerhockey is specifically for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair during daily life. Sports opportunities for power wheelchair users are VERY limited. In fact, until recently there were NO power wheelchair team sports opportunities available. National organizations/events such as Paralympics and Special Olympics (which deals with mental disabilities) have NO team sport opportunities for power wheelchair users. Manual wheelchair users have many sports opportunities, such as basketball, hockey, softball, football, racing and rugby to just name a few.

  Electric (power) wheelchair hockey has developed around the world as an incredible sports opportunity for power wheelchair users. Electric (power) wheelchair hockey is played in many countries around the world. There are teams in Europe, Australia, Canada and the US. It is thought by many organizers, around the world, that power wheelchair hockey will someday be in the Paralympic Games.

• What is the difference between PowerHockey™ & Sled Hockey?

  Entirely different disability groups play these two types of hockey. Sled Hockey is a Paralympic sport, played by persons with good to great upper body strength. It would be impossible for most Powerhockey participants to play Sled Hockey.

Note: The above information was provided from www.powerhockey.com/faq/.