Hockey Day at the Cattaraugus Community Center and the Sled Hockey Foundation’s Just Try It Event

The Sled Hockey Foundation (SHF), in collaboration with the Seneca Nations’ Cattaraugus Community Center (CCC), and Buffalo Sabres organization, conducted the first-ever Just Try It and Hockey Day event at the CCC on Friday, February 2nd.  

The event was to raise awareness of stand-up and sled hockey and its availability to the Seneca Nation and surrounding communities.  Buffalo Sabres’ players, Jordan Nolan (current) and Cody McCormick (former) participated, along with Adam Page, a 2-time Paralympic sled hockey gold medalist with Team USA.  All three met with participants, signed autographs, and took to the ice and skated.

Over 100 people came to the event with nearly 50 participants getting on the ice and enjoying skating with Jordan, Cody, and Adam – including some people getting on to sled hockey sleds and trying this unique experience.  Even Sabretooth, the Buffalo Sabres’ mascot, was on hand to celebrate hockey!

“What a great event! It’s good to see so many people come and participate!”, exclaimed Brad John, Director of the Cattaraugus Community Center.   

He added, “Let’s do it again soon!”  

The CCC is a Wellness and Recreational facility located in Irving, NY. Under the authority of the Seneca Nation of Indians, the CCC's mission is to help promote healthy life styles for all its members – and the surrounding communities. The expansive facility has a variety of amenities and services including: a fitness center, an in-door track, two (2) gymnasiums, an ice arena, room rentals, classes, and much more.

Left: Sabres alumni, Cody McCormick, Sabres player, Jordan Norlan, and USA Paralympic sled athlete, Adam Page | Right: Brad John, Director of the Cattaraugus Community Center with Cody McCormick, Jordan Nolan, and Adam Page at the Cattaraugus Community Center

Left: Cody McCormick coaching a young sled athlete | Right: Adam Page giving autographs at the Cattaraugus Community Center

Left: Sabretooth skating with young CCC participants | Right: Buffalo Sabres' Cody McCormick and Jordan Nolan signing autographs at the Cattaraugus Community Center

Left: Brad John, Director of the Cattaraugus Community Center with President of the Board of Directors of The Sled Hockey Foundation, Norm Page | Right: Brad John, Director of the Cattaraugus Community Center with Executive Director of The Sled Hockey Foundation, Steve Wischmann