Adaptive Ice Skating and Sled Hockey Are Back This Winter

Key Takeaways

• Ability Montana's adaptive ice skating and sled hockey sessions run from December 2026 through April 2027 in Bozeman, Butte, and Helena.

• Each session offers learn-to-skate and sled hockey side by side, with equipment for standing and seated skaters.

• People with and without disabilities are welcome, no experience is needed, and every session is free.

• The season wraps with a Sled Hockey Jamboree in Helena on April 24, 2027.

On crutches, an icy sidewalk means moving slowly and carefully. In a sled on the rink, Sherene Ricci gets to do the opposite.

"I get to be super fast and have a blast," she said. "I hear that sound the ice makes under my blade, and it just makes me happy."

Sherene has been part of Ability Montana's adaptive recreation community for years. This season, Ability Montana is offering free adaptive ice skating and sled hockey sessions in Bozeman, Butte, and Helena, so more Montanans can find that same feeling on the ice.

Equipment That Fits You

Sled hockey follows nearly the same rules as stand-up hockey. Players sit in a sled on two blades and push themselves with two short sticks: a paddle on one end for handling the puck and metal picks on the other for gripping the ice.

Unlike skiing, it was a sport Sherene had never tried before her amputation. "I just didn't have any clue if I was doing something right or wrong," she said. She enjoyed the challenge of learning to skate sitting down and coordinating the sticks.

Ability Montana provides all equipment for standing and seated participants and fits it to each person. Sled frames can be widened or narrowed for balance, and seats are chosen based on how much back support someone wants. Grip assists help players hold their sticks.

For players who want more support, a partner bar lets a stand-up skater push a sled so the two can play as a team. Sherene calls this "another layer of inclusivity that this sport offers."

"Our philosophy is least restrictive environment," Patrick said. "What is least restrictive for you? That's a conversation and a team thing."

Your Goals, Your Pace

No experience is required, and there are no fees. Coaches use progressions so each participant builds skills and confidence at their own pace.

"We don't want fear to override the opportunity to go," Patrick said.

Sherene's advice for anyone nervous about trying: watch a few sled hockey videos online, then "put on your adventure hat and come try it out." For her, sled hockey turned winter from a hassle into something to look forward to.

Whether you want to skate for fun or compete, Ability Montana follows your lead. "You come to them with your goals, and they'll help you achieve them," Sherene said. "Then you're going to make new goals because you're going to have so much fun."

Ready to try it?

Email Rec@abilitymt.org to sign up.

The More, the Merrier

Sled hockey takes a team, on and off the ice. At each session, participants with disabilities are fitted in sleds first. Extra sleds go to volunteers and other players so there are enough people for drills and three-on-three games. Stand-up skaters help players get upright, chase pucks, and keep things moving.

Ability Montana is looking for volunteers with hockey experience to coach, plus stand-up skaters to help on the ice. No sled hockey experience is needed, and volunteers attend an evening webinar orientation before the season.

Sherene has a challenge for Montana's hockey community: "If you love hockey, come prove it and try it in an adaptive way. That will make you a better hockey player overall." Sign up to volunteer.

Sherene puts in the miles herself. She drove 200 miles round trip to attend every Helena session last season and plans to do it again. Today, she helps lead Missoula Adaptive Recreation and Sports and works with Ability Montana to grow sled hockey across the state.

2026–27 Adaptive Ice Skating and Sled Hockey Schedule

All sessions are free and include learn-to-skate and sled hockey, with equipment for standing and seated skaters. The Helena Jamboree on April 24 is dedicated to sled hockey scrimmages, and anyone is welcome to play in a sled.

SNöFLINGA Winter Festival in Butte

During Butte's SNöFLINGA festival, Ability Montana will provide adaptive skating equipment for standing and seated skaters at both rinks. The team will also support accessibility at other festival events, including Nordic skiing, the "M" Hike, figure skating, and the Polar Plunge.

Sled Hockey Jamboree in Helena

The season ends with a jamboree in Helena, bringing together players from Ability Montana's sessions and Missoula Adaptive Recreation and Sports for multiple scrimmages. Players of all abilities and experience levels can join.