The New Mexico Blade Runners are gearing up for the 2nd Annual New Mexico Amigos Sled Hockey Tournament this weekend.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Blade Runners are gearing up for the 2nd Annual New Mexico Amigos Sled Hockey Tournament this weekend.
Ryan Hubbard, a member of the Blade Runners, shared his thoughts on the sport and the camaraderie it fosters.
“Honestly, it kind of just all of us having disabilities really connects us together and just lets us play as a team,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard explained that a joint disability, shaped at birth, doesn’t hold him back from giving his all on the ice.
“It’s unreal. Just really connecting and it’s a lot of arm cardio for sure. It’s really fun though. Super fast. Full contact allowed. So it’s great,” he said.
Mike Shannon, a parent, expressed his pride in the players. “I think as a parent, it’s very fulfilling because, you can ask any of the sled hockey players, they love playing able-bodied people because, everybody sees them on the ice,” he said.
Team spirit
Bridge Devin marveled at the athletes’ skills, saying, “I don’t know how they do it. Well this shows as my demonstration here that even if you have a disability, you can still be an elite athlete as they are, as all the Blade Runners are.”
Hubbard, who has been with the team for 10 years, is excited for another season. “It was super fun last year, again, super fast paced and fun and everyone’s flying around,” he said.
The Blade Runners are focused on making nationals this year, which will be held in Dallas.
