How does para ice hockey work?
B · Beginner · The game · 1 of 3Para ice hockey is ice hockey for players with a lower-body impairment, who sit on sledges and use two short sticks, a pick at one end to push and a blade at the other to shoot. It uses the ice hockey rink and most of its rules. Six players a side are on the ice, one a goalkeeper, over three 15-minute periods.
How it works
- Rules body: World Para Ice Hockey.
- Players: lower-body impairment.
- Sledge: seat on two blades.
- Sticks: two each, pick and blade.
- On the ice: six, one a goalkeeper.
- Periods: three of 15 minutes.
- Rink: ice hockey size.
- Men and women: both eligible.
The glossary has the para ice hockey, the World Para Ice Hockey, the sledge, the stick, the rink and the puck.
Tricky cases
Is it the same as sled hockey?
Yes. Sled hockey is the North American name.
Can women play in a men's team?
Yes. Teams are mixed.
Is the puck different?
No. The ice hockey puck.
Can the benches be stepped into?
No. They have level doors for sledges.
Why the rule exists
Keeping the ice hockey rink and rules means players and fans already know most of the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Players | On sledges | R 100 |
| Sticks | Two each | R 307 |
| Periods | 15 minutes | R 600 |
From the rule book
World Para Ice Hockey, Rules 2018-2022 (V2, effective 1 October 2018), rules 100, 200 to 204, 501 and 600. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: WPIH Rules, Regulations and Classification Rules.