UPMC sled hockey benefit

by M. Stewart
We spent an enjoyable Saturday evening at the Bladerunners Ice Complex in Harmarville, Pa. watching members of the professional staff at the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute take on the Pittsburgh Penguins adult sled hockey team in a benefit game.

The Penguins team athletes all have had a spinal-cord or other injury that restricts lower body movement, but sled hockey is an upper-body sport, and their disabilities disappear on the ice. The UPMC staff found out just how difficult the sport is, but losing the game was the last thing on their minds. Clearly everybody was a winner at this wonderful benefit event.

The Bladerunners Ice Complex is just north of downtown Pittsburgh off Rt. 28. The facility houses at least three hockey arenas (that I saw) and is evidence of a very active amateur hockey culture in Pittsburgh. (Click photo to enlarge.)