The Alumni Memorial Ice Rink heated up last Sunday when the GLASA Falcons sled-hockey team came to Lake Forest College to play the game they love. The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association claims: “Let no one sit on the sidelines” as its motto. The group provides recreational and competitive sporting activities to people of all ages who have a primary physical or visual disability.
Lake Forest had the pleasure of once again hosting a sled hockey game on Sunday, January 31. Students, campus staff, fans, and community members filled up the rink to cheer on the players. The matchupfeaturedtheWhiteTeam and the Black Team. The fans were divided to cheer for their respective sides, however, once the puck was dropped everyone in the stands was brought together to cheer on all of the athletes who were giving it their all on the ice.
The game was a battle from the start all the way to the final buzzer. After a slow start, the White Team jumped out to a 2-0 lead. The Black Team then answered with a goal. Both teams shared two more goals of their own making it a 4-3 game as the end of the third period started looming. Down the stretch, the Black Team’s comeback efforts were thwarted and the White Team came out victorious. It was clear though that when the game was over and all the gear was taken off, everyone on the ice was a winner. Members on the White and Black team were very cordial with each other after the game and had big smiles on their faces.
The players were able to compete in a sport that their disability would have usually prevented them from participating in. Travis and Bob were both #56 but on different sides of the ice on Sunday. Travis had been playing hockey for only a year, but has loved every second of it. “It’s always great to play with a team, I’m thankful for GLASA and other organizations that give people with disabilities the chance to show their skills.”
Bob, a player for 5 years, went on to say, “Sled Hockey is a growing sport in the area and is so excited to be apart of its growth and the community that surrounds it.” He continued and said the best part about the game is, “No matter what your disability is, modifications can be made to the sled giving everyone a chance to participate and have fun,” he said.
The fun wasn’t only limited to the players though, fans and students had a blast in the stands. The dueling student sections were loud for all three periods. “The student sections at the game brought the school together,” Grace Larson ’19 said. Our enthusiasm made the event a more positive and exciting experience for the players and the other attendees.”
If you missed the game, or need some more sled hockey, the GLASA Falcons are on the ice every Sunday from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hot Shot Ice Arena in Lake Bluff.
