GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The ice and the stands at Griff's IceHouse at Belknap Park were packed on Thursday night and there was a very special cause behind it all.
The Grand Rapids Griffins and the Grand Rapids Sled Wings squared off in their 17th annual sled hockey game. Sled hockey is an adaptive version of one of Michigan's favorite sports. Just like hockey, sled hockey features five players on each team on the ice at a time. Instead of being on skates, the players sit in sleds and they use a pair of sticks to propel themselves on the ice.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Sled Wings and the Griffins Youth Foundation. Together, the two organizations make sure that kids get to enjoy hockey without having to worry about physical or economic barriers.
"It's just awesome to see these kids - the opportunities that they have because of the game of hockey and the way it develops them as people. The physical fitness aspect is great. The teamwork, the camaraderie that they get to experience in giving them the chances that they really might not otherwise have," said Randy Cleaves, who serves as the Vice President of Communications for the Griffins.
Tyler Anderson once played for the Jr. Sled Wings team. Now he coaches the Jr. Sled Wings and plays for the adult team, so he knows just how much opportunities like this mean to the kids.
"It's really cool to play against professional hockey players, and put them in our element for a little while. They're hockey players. They're athletes. They can learn pretty quick. The big difference is obviously just getting used to the sled," Anderson said.
If you didn't get to attend Thursday night's game but would like to help, the Griffins Youth Foundation and the Sled Wings both host several events each year. You can also support their sponsors, like Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.