Long Island Sled Hockey, Inc.
RoughRiders Mission Statement

Our Mission

The Long Island Sled Hockey, Inc (“LISH”) RoughRiders sled hockey team exists to provide inclusive, competitive and recreational hockey opportunities for individuals with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities, fostering athletic excellence, personal growth, and community connection through the transformative power of an adaptive sport.

Who We Are

For over two decades, the LISH RoughRiders have been breaking barriers and redefining what is possible in recreational and competitive sled hockey. Our team welcomes all teen to adult players, genders, and ability levels, creating a diverse and dynamic community united by our shared passion for the game. Using specially designed sleds with blades and spike tipped sticks, our athletes propel themselves, or are assisted by a “pusher” across the ice with remarkable skill and determination, proving that hockey truly belongs to everyone.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering commitment to accessibility and overcoming many of the off ice challenges that our disabled athletes encounter on a daily basis. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent a qualifying athlete from experiencing the joy and camaraderie of competitive and recreational sled hockey. Every eligible player who wants to join our team is welcomed with open arms, and at no cost to them is provided with equipment, training, or any expenses related to participation. This all-inclusive approach ensures that sled hockey remains accessible to individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

What We Provide

Our comprehensive program offers our participants (athletes/coaches/volunteers):

• Complete customize adaptive hockey gear and sleds for every player

• Professional coaching and skill development

• Practice time at local ice rinks 

• Adaptive transportation to tournaments and competitions

• Lodging and meal expenses during tournament travel

Competitive Excellence

The Long Island Sled Hockey RoughRiders compete at the varying levels of competitive and recreational hockey, participating in tournaments across multiple leagues throughout North America year round. Our travel schedule has taken us from the sunny rinks of Florida to the hockey heartland of Canada, and everywhere in between, including Massachusetts,Texas and numerous other competitive venues. These tournaments provide our athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills, build lasting friendships with players from other teams, and experience the thrill of high-level competition.

Community Impact

Sled hockey serves as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation. Our sport builds physical strength, enhances coordination, and develops strategic thinking. More importantly, it cultivates confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the rink. Many of our players discover abilities they never knew they possessed, while others find a supportive community that celebrates their unique strengths.  

Our inclusive environment welcomes individuals with various physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual differences, creating a team culture where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated. This approach models inclusion for our broader community and demonstrates that competitive athletics can unite people across all differences.

Long Island Sled Hockey invites local youth and adult Ice Hockey teams to friendly scrimmages.  We bring awareness to the adaptive sport while creating an opportunity for equal competition among disabled and non-disabled athletes.

Current Challenges and Opportunities

After more than 20 years of successful operation, we continue to face new challenges in our operating expenses. Rising costs for equipment, ice time, transportation, and tournament fees have significantly impacted our annual operating budget of approximately $200,000. Despite these financial pressures, our commitment to serving every eligible player remains absolute—we continue to welcome new team members while maintaining our promise that no player will ever be turned away due to inability to pay.

Our Growing Need

As our team continues to grow and more individuals discover the life-changing opportunities sledhockey provides, our funding requirements have expanded correspondingly. We are actively seeking grant partnerships and donor relationships to ensure the sustainability and growth of our program. Every contribution, regardless of size, directly impacts the lives of our athletes and helps us maintain our core mission of accessibility and excellence.

Recognition and Partnership

We deeply value our supporters and recognize their contributions through multiple channels, including prominent placement on our website, inclusion in all team communications and materials, and acknowledgment in our tournament programs. Our donors become part of the Long Island Sled Hockey RoughRiders family, sharing in our victories and witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of their generosity.

Looking Forward

The Long Island Sled Hockey RoughRiders represent more than a hockey team—we are a testament to the power of adaptive sports to change lives, build communities, and redefine possibilities. With continued support from grants and donors, we will expand our reach, serve more athletes, and continue demonstrating that hockey truly has no limits.

Together, we are not just playing hockey; we are breaking down barriers, building dreams, and proving that with the right support, everyone deserves the chance to compete, excel, and belong.

The Long Island Sled Hockey RoughRiders: Where ability meets opportunity, and sled hockey belongs to everyone.