Camaraderie after Combat: How sled hockey is helping veterans transition home

Texas Sled Hockey Team Captain & U.S. Army Veteran shares his story

HOUSTON – Making the move from military life to civilian life can be tough. 

That's why some veterans are taking up sled hockey to help with the transition. 

"It kind of helped me out of a really, really dark place," said Andy Toppin, U.S. Army Veteran and Team Captain of Texas Sled Hockey. 

Toppin, U.S. Army Veteran, lost a leg in Iraq in 2009, when his humvee hit an IED.

He said the physical aspect drew him to the game, but also the feeling of being on a team again. 

"Just the team aspect of it allures me, particularly, and a lot of veterans to the hockey lifestyle. Everyone's on the same team, everyone's got the same goal."

The public is invited to come watch Texas Sled Hockey practice very Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Ice Skate Memorial City.

They'll also be holding a clinic for veterans in January, 2019. 

You can visit TexasSledHockey.org for more information on how to get involved.  

 


About the Author:

Katie Meyers is the Executive Producer of KPRC 2’s Houston Life, an afternoon variety and lifestyle show focused on celebrating the city of Houston. She enjoys podcasts, show tunes, her rescue pup Penny and coffee... lots of coffee.