2023 USA Hockey Disabled Festival St. Louis, MO.
After a tough season in SESHL league play Carolina Sled Hockey headed to St. Louis to try their hand at a National Championship. The team came into the tournament with a little confidence boost as Jereme Gilbert joined the team once again for the National Tournament.
The team started the tournament by defeating the Mighty Penguins in the opening game followed by a close matchup with the LA Kings. The 2-0 start gave Carolina the top spot in the 1st round of the playoffs pinning them against the Mighty Penguins once again, with the game ending in the same result moving Carolina to the Semi-Finals to face off against Sioux City. Sioux City proved to be a tough opponent but Carolina held on to secure the victory and move ahead to the National Championship game to face New Mexico. The game was close throughout the first period but from that point on New Mexico pulled away leaving Carolina with the Runner-Up banner.
Runner-Up in a National Tournament is no small feat and the team was very proud of themselves for what they accomplished over the 4 days. The tournament produced first-ever goals for #43 Hunter Parda, #24 Jamie Livengood, and #26 Sherri Valentine.
This will be a tournament to remember. Can’t wait to see what the 2023/2024 season holds.