What a jam-packed year it’s been for volt hockey in the USA! From big milestones to exciting tournaments and countless demos, we’ve been on a mission to bring this incredible sport to more athletes than ever before. Buckle up as we review all the action-packed moments of 2024, and get ready, because 2025 is already looking bright!
We’re Legit, Baby!
The year kicked off with a bang as the United States Volt Hockey Association officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in January. This milestone wasn’t just about paperwork, it was a game-changer for us. Now we can apply for grants, make donations tax-deductible, and partner with other nonprofits to expand our impact. This step laid the groundwork for everything we accomplished in 2024 (and beyond).
Second Volt Hockey Team Established
Say hello to the Rolling Warriors! Thanks to Space2Thrive, a local nonprofit based in Massachusetts, the second volt hockey team in the United States launched in North Attleboro this February. With a full roster and regular practices underway, the Rolling Warriors have already become an integral part of our growing volt hockey community. We can’t wait to see them take the court in 2025!
Leadership Shifts
Big changes came to the USVHA’s leadership this year. We said goodbye to our fearless leader Dylan Hogan, who stepped down as President to embark on his medical school journey. Marley Robinson, who previously served as Treasurer, took the reins as President. Avery Melam stepped in as Vice President, replacing Dave Yurik, who also stepped down this year but remained on the board. Amy Brown became Secretary/Clerk, succeeding Laura Calderón, who also remained on the board, and Amanda Bell stepped into the Treasurer role. We also welcomed Caeden Parisi, a longtime player on the Boston Whiplash, to the board. Our team is fired up to lead us into an exciting future!
Second Annual North American Volt Hockey Tournament
Memorial Day weekend took us north of the border to Toronto for the second annual North American Volt Hockey Tournament, hosted by our friends at Variety Village. The Boston Whiplash, split into two teams (Blue and Orange), gave it their all against fierce Canadian competitors. Team Orange snagged a bronze medal in Division 2, while Blue placed fourth in Division 1. Beyond the games, the tournament was a fantastic opportunity to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the sport we all love.
Demos Up the Wazoo!
Spreading the word about volt hockey has been a top priority, and 2024 was all about putting people in the chairs to experience the game firsthand. Here’s where we showed up to demo the sport:
ADA Day at Boston City Hall (July 17): This event brought volt hockey right into the heart of Boston. Attendees celebrated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Mayor Michelle Wu got an up-close and personal introduction to volt hockey. She was thrilled to see the sport in action, sparking interest and enthusiasm among local residents.
EmpowerSCI Adult Camp at Stony Brook University (July 23): At this camp, we introduced volt hockey to adults with spinal cord injuries. Participants loved the opportunity to experience the thrill of competitive sports in an inclusive environment where they could also try out adaptive surfing, power soccer, and a variety of adaptive technologies.
EmpowerSCI Teen Camp at New England Institute of Technology (August 13): Teenagers with spinal cord injuries had their turn to discover volt hockey. The energy and excitement were through the roof as they learned the basics of the game and connected with their peers.
Boston Center for Independent Living 50th Anniversary at Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (September 21): Volt hockey was a hit at this milestone celebration. We showcased the sport’s accessibility and the joy it brings to players of all ages and abilities.
Adaptive Sports New England Para Sports Day at Tufts University (October 27): This event capped off our demo season with a bang. Participants from various adaptive sports communities came together, and volt hockey was one of the standout attractions, drawing plenty of interest and potential new players.
Presentations Galore!
In addition to hands-on demos, we brought volt hockey to the spotlight through presentations at major events:
CureSMA Annual SMA Conference in Austin, Texas (June 8): We were honored to present volt hockey to a packed room full of families, caregivers, and professionals in the spinal muscular atrophy community. The event was an incredible platform to introduce the sport to people who might benefit the most from its inclusivity and energy.
Children's Physical Developmental Clinic at Bridgewater University (September 28): At the CPDC, we started in the classroom, introducing attendees to the history, rules, and benefits of volt hockey. Then, we moved to the gym, where college student volunteers tried the sport firsthand, generating excitement and exploring how volt hockey can empower children with mobility disabilities.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Staff Meeting (October 30): Spaulding staff got an in-depth look at volt hockey during this presentation. By engaging healthcare professionals, we’re working to create partnerships that help integrate adaptive sports into rehabilitation and recreational therapy programs.
Joining the International Volt Hockey Committee
In 2024, we joined forces with volt hockey leaders from Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to form the International Volt Hockey Committee. This collaboration is all about uniting the global volt hockey community, sharing resources, and strategizing to grow the sport worldwide.
Giving Tuesday / International Day of Persons with Disabilities / Merch Drop!
We closed out the year with a trifecta of celebration on December 3: our first-ever Giving Tuesday, the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and the launch of our limited-edition merch line. Thanks to everyone who donated or snagged some swag. If you haven’t had the chance to donate yet, it’s not too late to make an impact before the year ends. Every contribution helps us bring volt hockey to more athletes and communities across the country!
Wrapping It Up — And Gearing Up for 2025
What a year it’s been! From welcoming a new team, to competing internationally, hosting demos, and joining a global committee, the USVHA has made huge strides in 2024. None of this would have been possible without our players, families, donors, and supporters who believe in the power of adaptive sports and inclusivity.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re more energized than ever to keep the momentum going. We’ve got plans to expand our teams, host training camps, and bring volt hockey to even more people with disabilities across the country. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning!
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