Powerhockey is wheelchair floor hockey specifically for persons requiring the use of a power wheelchair in their daily lives. Powerhockey is commonly played on a basketball court with a plastic ball substituted for a puck. Players use modified, lightweight composite or plastic hockey sticks. For players unable to hold or grip their stick, the stick can be mounted or taped to their power wheelchair. Other stick adaptations include curving the blade of the stick or inserting a dowel through the blade. The primary source of strength and speed involved in the sport comes from the power wheelchair.
Many participants of Powerhockey have disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and severe spinal cord injuries. Powerhockey is open to all genders and skill levels. However, all Powerhockey participants must have the cognitive ability to follow general rules, strategy, and other aspects of sport. The age range of participants varies.
PowerHockey is a fairly low contact sport with most contact occurring primarily from power wheelchairs bumping each other side to side. The use of protective equipment, such as leg pads and eye protection, is encouraged but not required.
PowerHockey follows many of the same rules found in any hockey league. Face-offs, offsides, and penalties are a routine during the game. Players can serve 2 or 5 minute penalties for such things as interference, delay of game, slashing, and high sticking. There are also penalties specific to Powerhockey including ramming, dangerous driving, in the crease, and moving the boards. Each game consists of three 15-minute periods and full strength is played four-on-four (three forwards and one defenseman) plus one goaltender on each team.