GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins will face off against the Grand Rapids Sled Wings in a sled hockey game on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Griff’s IceHouse at Belknap Park (30 Coldbrook NE). This unique, friendly competition will pit the entire Griffins roster against the Sled Wings, a team of physically challenged youth sponsored by the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

Festivities will begin at 5 p.m., when fans can try out a sled on the ice for a $1 donation to the Sled Wings program and take part in an autograph session with Griffins players. The sled hockey game will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person (free to children 2 and under), and tickets will be available at the door or in advance at the “Better Halves” concourse table at the Griffins games on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2.

All proceeds from the evening, including a silent auction of sports memorabilia and a 50/50 raffle, will benefit the Sled Wings program. Autographed items available through the auction will include a Steve Yzerman jersey, a Gordie Howe photo and a Joe Nieuwendyk stick (subject to change).

Sled hockey rules are virtually identical to traditional hockey, except participants sit on bladed sleds. Players use two shortened hockey sticks with a blade on one end and a pick (similar to a toe-pick on a figure skate) on the other end, which enables them to propel themselves across the ice. As in traditional hockey, checking, penalties, and hard slap shots are all abundant in sled hockey.

Sled hockey made its debut in the 1994 Paralympics. It originated in Sweden in 1940 and was introduced in the United States in 1989, with the first team based in Minnesota. The Sled Wings became the first sled hockey team in Michigan upon their founding five years ago.