Breaking Boundaries Through Hockey

"Don't just sit there, play hockey."

These words are the slogan of the WheelChair Hockey League. The WCHL has been in existence for 11 years in Michigan. The league is an organization that provides a place for wheelchair-bound individuals to play floor hockey. The WCHL players deal with disabilities such as Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, Spina bifida, and spinal cord injuries.

Brian Ulewicz has been part of the WCHL for 11 years. Sports bring out many emotions in an athlete. Born with Muscular dystrophy, he is no different than any able-bodied competitor.

"The greatest emotion I feel while playing hockey is one of acceptance," Ulewicz said. "No one ever judges another player's ability or skill because we're all there to enjoy the sport. And when I make a good save and hear someone shout out, 'Hey Brian, good job,' it's the best feeling knowing that I'm contributing to my team's strength and success."

With about 40 players, the league consists of four teams called the Seals, Cobras, Wolf Pack, and Hornets. This season the Seals are undefeated with a record of 11-0-1 while the Cobras have a record of 2-10.As the playoffs near, after a 12 game season, the matchups are set: the Seals versus the Cobras, and the Hornets versus the Wolf Pack. Deputy Commissioner and Seals' player Jason Drapinski explains what it means to win the Wheelers Cup.

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Breaking Boundaries Through Hockey