Happy Valley Special Hockey Association

Happy Valley Special Hockey Association started less than ten years ago to serve those unable to play hockey on organized teams who could benefit from playing hockey together. A few years later, the State College Coyotes joined us on the ice as a sled hockey team to serve those with different abilities who cannot participate in the stand-up team. With a grant from USA Hockey, we could purchase the sleds and the equipment, and the team was formed!

Over the years, the teams have grown, and we have even started a tournament for the Coyotes. Being a unified team for sleds, we cannot participate in many of the normal sled hockey functions that USA Hockey offers. However, our players all have fun and strive to compete against others for the fun of hockey.

Due to COVID, we could not participate in practices for over a year, and we lost some players due to that and other circumstances. But our team continues to advance adaptive sports in the State College and Central Pennsylvania region. Our team is the only team between Johnstown and Harrisburg area to offer this outlet for players looking for support, community, and a team to play with others similar to themselves.

Sled hockey uses a sled that the player sits on, propelling themselves with the three-foot-long sticks with spikes on one end and a blade on the other. They shoot and pass with both hands and wear a lot of the other typical hockey gear. Our goal is to provide all the equipment and support needed for all the players with little financial cost.