Wounded warriors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) took to the ice for the first time as part of their rehabilitation to play a competitive game of adaptive sled hockey at the Rockville Ice Arena on Jan. 27.
"It was nice [and] a good opportunity," added Cpl. Kevork Khachadurian, 22. "I never even watched hockey before, and wasn't really interested, but it was fun."
The Marine, injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in August, said the most challenging part of the adaptive sled hockey was keeping his balance on the ice, but said he would definitely try it again.
Khachadurian was injured while navigating safe routes using maps and metal detectors to identify IEDs when he stepped on one detonating it, resulting in the loss of both his legs and severe hand injuries.
Army Spc. Brynden Keller, 25, agreed with Khachadurian that the adaptive sled hockey was a surprisingly enjoyable experience.
"I like the competitive aspect of it, and it was a great workout," said Keller, also injured by an IED in Afghanistan.
Last Friday's adaptive sled hockey clinic was the inaugural event between USA Warriors Hockey and WRNMMC's Military Advance Training Center (MATC) Adaptive Sports Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Recreation Program, according to Kira M. Zevan, assistant in the WRNMMC Adaptive Sports Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Recreation Program. She said five more monthly clinics are scheduled beginning Feb. 10.
The warriors seemed to enjoy the break in their normal routines for the venture on the ice. Although it was new to some, for others, it brought back memories.
"One wounded warrior said he missed 'the smell of ice' and thought he'd never be able to play hockey again after losing both his legs," Zevan said. "Others appreciated learning a new skill as well as experiencing the speed on the ice."
Although the slick surface was challenging for some of the warriors at first, they were quick learners, got back in their sleds and resumed play.
"The wounded warriors found the equipment and gear the most challenging," Zevan said. The warriors donned shoulder pads, padded bottoms, hockey gloves, helmet with a face guard, and the USA Warriors Hockey team jersey.
"While on the ice, they had to balance inside the sled, which has two blades on the bottom, as well as be able to propel themselves forward using the 'teeth' on the bottom of the hockey sticks," she continued.
"Most of the wounded warriors who participated on Friday were double amputees, who lost both legs," Zevan added. "Like the rest of the adaptive sports we offer, the equipment can be modified and adapted to the injury so the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether the injury or injuries involve the upper or lower extremities, there are prosthetics and/or equipment that can assist [them]."
Michael Vaccaro, the sled hockey coach for USA Warriors Hockey, said he has helped train wounded warriors for about three years. "I played hockey my whole life growing up in Buffalo. When I got back from Iraq and was talking with someone at the VA hospital, they told me about the program and I started skating with them. Now I help coach the sled team.
"It's rewarding to help a fellow veteran get back to enjoying a sport that he used to enjoy and thought he might not be able to play again, or a veteran who is just learning the sport," Vaccaro added. "These guys make it look easy. With their military background, they have learned to adapt and overcome the challenges."
"Recreation therapy is the extension of wounded warriors' rehab plan through Occupational and Physical Therapy," said Tiffany S. Smith, certified therapeutic recreation specialist at WRNMMC in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. "Everything wounded warriors have learned and trained for under their clinical therapist in the hospital setting, are being transferred to an adaptive sports activity outside the clinic."
She said adaptive sports programs offer patients the opportunity to excel in their rehabilitation.
"Wounded warriors have an opportunity to see their physical capabilities and limitations outside the clinic," Smith continued. "Therapeutic recreation provides wounded warriors the opportunity to increase independency, cognitive abilities, physical capabilities and work on social skills in a group setting under the supervision of a recreation therapist. The primary goal is to improve wounded warriors quality of life by introducing them to alternative more active lifestyles."
Army Sgt. Keith McCormack, certified occupational therapy assistant at WRNMMC who helps with rehabilitation of wounded warriors and went with them to the ice arena, agreed that therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports programs offer warriors many benefits.
"Playing a competitive sport is good for morale and helps them build confidence," McCormack said. "This helps them with what they are going to do with their lives after they leave [WRNMMC]."
For more information about the therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports programs at WRNMMC, contact Smith in the America Building, lower level, Room B313, Amputee Center, or call (301) 295-8525.
