Next month, the adult team of the Philadelphia Hammerheads are in for an exciting cross-country trip as they head to the 12th annual USA Hockey Sled Classic, presented by the NHL, from Nov. 17-20, in Irvine, California.
The Hammerheads, a nonprofit based out of Northeast Skate Zone, is comprised of players with all ranges of physical disabilities. The team heading to the Classic includes Gabby Graves-Wake, who serves as goalie for the U.S. women’s team.
At the Classic, the Hammerheads will be representing the Philadelphia Flyers and wearing their team colors and logo.
“When the Hammerheads leadership reached out to me looking for support from the Flyers, I told them that we’d find a way to make this happen. I’m so glad that it worked out and that they’ll be able to play in the Sled Classic and represent their hometown NHL team,” said Rob Baer, director, community relations and hockey development for the Flyers.
Baer added, “We’re going to host the Hammerheads players at the Flyers on Oct. 29, where we’ll present them with the personalized Flyers game jerseys that they’ll wear at the Classic. We are excited for the team and we’ll be following their games closely when they’re out in California.”
First staged in 2010, the USA Hockey Sled Classic is an annual round-robin format tournament between NHL-affiliated sled hockey teams. Participating teams must have an official affiliation with an NHL member club and must represent their affiliated NHL club by wearing official NHL licensed jerseys with local club marks and logos.
Currently, the Hammerheads are fundraising for the Classic and are seeking the community’s help. According to treasurer Kristi Cauvin, it’s costly to send the team and all of their sports and medical equipment across the country.
Those interested in making a donation can do so by mailing a check to: Hammerheads Sled Hockey, ℅ Kristi Cauvin, 449 Woodbine Ave., Feasterville, PA 19053. Donations can also be made on the organization’s GoFundMe at bit.ly/3yWNfxt. Contributions are accepted through Nov. 17, the date the team leaves for California.
Visit hammerheads.hockey/ for more information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
