Miners trade skates for sleds...

Miners trade skates for sleds??

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON)

"They're going to slow us all down!"

That was the reaction from one of the players of the Sudbury Northern Sliders sled hockey team when he found out that he'd be sharing the ice with some of their hometowns Sudbury Miners this past weekend.

One of the most underrated aspects of hockey is the way it brings people together, be it to play, watch, or simply talk about the game. Sled hockey does just the same, and in their continued effort to be part of the community, some of the Miners brightest stars tried their hand at a different brand of hockey.

The attendees which included star defenseman Aaron Ekblad, forward Vincent Trocheck, and young gun Timo Meier were among the dozen or so players who took part in the sled hockey game with the Sliders sled hockey team. The whole thing was being treated as just another practice for the Sliders, but when Ekblad and Co. stepped out onto the ice, it definitely took the team by surprise.

What was incredible to see was the respect the CCHL players have for the sled hockey players, including winger Marcus Foligno saying he just wished the stick was just a little longer so he could hook or trip another player.  It’s proof what great athletes the entire Sliders team is, and how incredibly talented they are on their equipment.  Trocheck even admits he knew he had to change up his style on the sled if he had any chance of even taking part in the game. It's an interesting look at how these players view an alternative to their professional game.

Many of the Slider players were just thrilled to have the opportunity to play with and against some of the Miner players, and you can see the respect each CCHLer has for just how these talented players show their dedication to the sport they all love.

 As Aaron Ekblad pointed out after the practice, “Just seeing the poise and the character and the mental strength, they’re really an inspiration for all of us. So, I think, their passion for hockey is something we all share, no matter what our situation or where we come from.”