The Minnesota PowerHockey League (MPHL) established the first organized PowerHockey league located in the Minneapolis/St. Over 32 players (4 teams) competed in a 9 game regular season. The season finished with all four teams competing in the playoffs. This sport is ideal for male and female participants, requiring the use of an electric wheelchair. Players do not need assistance from able-bodied persons during the play of the game. The sport means total independence and equality. It is hard to think of any other team sport in which a person in an electric wheelchair can participate without a great deal of assistance from able-bodied persons. PowerHockey rules follow the basic rules found in any hockey league around the country. Off-sides and penalties are a routine call during the game. Players can serve from 2 to 5 minute penalties for such things as interference, delay of game, holding, high sticking and roughing. Unlike other hockey leagues, PowerHockey requires a few adaptations to allow everyone to participate on an equal level. Some adaptations include using hockey sticks made from light weight plastic materials and a light weight plastic ball is substituted for the puck. PowerHockey provides the perfect opportunity for a disabled person to be involved in an organized team sport. If a participant can not slap the ball hard enough, the momentum of the wheelchair will provide the physical strength needed to score the game winning goal! You do not need a formal league to start playing on a local or even international level. It only takes 6-10 people to form a team. If you practice whenever possible, who knows who you will be playing against in the future.
