MILAN, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Fast, physical and highly technical, Para ice hockey is widely regarded as one of the most exciting events at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Designed for athletes with lower-limb impairments, the sport features players seated on special sledges and propelling themselves across the ice with two sticks. Here is how it works.
THE SLEDGE: KEY EQUIPMENT
A sledge allows athletes to move across the ice while remaining seated. Players are secured to the sledge to maintain stability while skating. According to World Para Ice Hockey, the key components of a sledge include a frame, a seat bucket, skate blades and a front skid.
The frame can only be made of steel, aluminium, titanium or magnesium.
The length of a sledge is often customized to suit an athlete's body shape and physical condition, but it must be at least 80cm long. In general, a shorter sledge offers greater agility, making it easier for players to stop quickly and change direction.
Chinese player Shen Yifeng is the only member of his team who uses a shorter sledge. "A shorter sledge allows me to manoeuvre more easily, making quick stops and turns," he said.
"Since we sit on the sledge during the whole game, controlling it and keeping balance takes a lot of core power," Shen added.
TWO STICKS: SKATING AND SHOOTING
Unlike traditional ice hockey players, Para ice hockey athletes use two sticks.
Each stick has a blade on one end for handling the puck and shooting, while the other end has metal teeth that grip the ice. Players use those teeth to push themselves forward and generate speed.
The sticks cannot exceed 100cm in length. Constantly switching between skating and puck control requires strong, smooth coordination.
"When we skate at full speed, our hands hold the top of the sticks," Chinese player Wang Zhidong explained. "As we get close to the puck, we quickly move our hands down to the bottom to control it. Both hands have to coordinate constantly," he said.
GOALKEEPERS
Goalkeepers use a single specialized stick. The lower part of the stick is wider and the blade is thicker, helping them block incoming shots more effectively.
Their gloves are also specially designed to help them move on the ice and stop the puck.
Chinese goalkeeper Ji Yanzhao described the equipment as crucial for mobility. "My left hand acts like a catcher, while my right hand works like a blocker," Ji said.
PROTECTIVE GEAR AND PUCK
Because of the sport's intense physical contact, players must wear full protective equipment. This includes helmets with visors or full face masks, shoulder pads, elbow pads and specially designed gloves.
The puck is made of vulcanized rubber. It measures 7.62cm in diameter, is 2.54cm thick and weighs between 156 and 170 grams.
HOW THE SPORT WORKS
Para ice hockey closely follows the rules of traditional ice hockey. Each game consists of three 15-minute periods, and two teams compete to score by shooting the puck into the opponent's net. The team with the most goals wins.
FROM SWEDEN TO THE PARALYMPICS
Para ice hockey originated in Stockholm in the 1960s, when two Swedish athletes developed the sport so that people with lower-limb disabilities could continue playing ice hockey.
The sport was officially added to the Winter Paralympics program in 1994.
Today, Para ice hockey allows men and women to compete together and remains one of the most dynamic and visually striking events of the Winter Paralympics. ■
