GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Forwards Robert Thrailkill Jr. and Aaron Wemple from the Grand Rapids Sled Wings sled hockey program have been named to the 2014-15 U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team.

Thrailkill, 23, begins his second season on the U.S. developmental squad, while Wemple, 17, earned his spot with an impressive debut at last week’s USA Hockey Sled Player Development Camp, scoring four goals and an assist in four games. Three Sled Wings defensemen were also chosen to participate in that camp, including Caleb Janssen, Tim White, and four-time U.S. developmental team member Tyler Anderson.

Seventeen players were ultimately chosen for the 2014-15 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, while Thrailkill and Wemple were among another 18 tabbed for the developmental squad.

Formerly a lance corporal and combat engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Thrailkill only began playing for the Sled Wings’ adult team in December 2012. After losing both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan on Oct. 26, 2010, the Pentwater, Mich., native spent the next 25 months recovering at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Md.

Wemple has logged five seasons with the Sled Wings’ junior team, serving as captain during the last two. The Grand Rapids-born-and-bred center will move up to the adult team this fall.

The Sled Wings’ junior team, comprised of children and teens who have physical disabilities, is sponsored by the Griffins Youth Foundation in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The Sled Wings became the first junior-level sled hockey team in Michigan upon their founding in 2001, and they have gained a national reputation by winning various prestigious tournaments and continuing to develop high-caliber players under the direction of junior coach Steve Kozlowski and adult coach Leo DelCarmen. Anderson (2009-12; 13-14) and Chris Melton (2010-11) have also played for the U.S. developmental team, while Susie Kluting has played the last three seasons with the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Team.

The developmental team roster can be found at usahockey.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Forwards Robert Thrailkill Jr. and Aaron Wemple from the Grand Rapids Sled Wings sled hockey program have been named to the 2014-15 U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team.

Thrailkill, 23, begins his second season on the U.S. developmental squad, while Wemple, 17, earned his spot with an impressive debut at last week’s USA Hockey Sled Player Development Camp, scoring four goals and an assist in four games. Three Sled Wings defensemen were also chosen to participate in that camp, including Caleb Janssen, Tim White, and four-time U.S. developmental team member Tyler Anderson.

Seventeen players were ultimately chosen for the 2014-15 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, while Thrailkill and Wemple were among another 18 tabbed for the developmental squad.

Formerly a lance corporal and combat engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Thrailkill only began playing for the Sled Wings’ adult team in December 2012. After losing both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan on Oct. 26, 2010, the Pentwater, Mich., native spent the next 25 months recovering at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Md.

Wemple has logged five seasons with the Sled Wings’ junior team, serving as captain during the last two. The Grand Rapids-born-and-bred center will move up to the adult team this fall.

The Sled Wings’ junior team, comprised of children and teens who have physical disabilities, is sponsored by the Griffins Youth Foundation in partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The Sled Wings became the first junior-level sled hockey team in Michigan upon their founding in 2001, and they have gained a national reputation by winning various prestigious tournaments and continuing to develop high-caliber players under the direction of junior coach Steve Kozlowski and adult coach Leo DelCarmen. Anderson (2009-12; 13-14) and Chris Melton (2010-11) have also played for the U.S. developmental team, while Susie Kluting has played the last three seasons with the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Team.

The developmental team roster can be found at usahockey.com.