February Club of the Month!

Sheffield Steelkings hope to keep spreading the joys of para ice hockey in 2022 as they continue their remarkable journey.

The club prides itself on its inclusivity and has now grown to 37 registered members this season, having started with five upon being established in 2014.

Since then, the Steelkings have welcomed members from a range of ages and abilities as well as having plenty of success on the ice – including winning a domestic double in 2019.

Club chairman Jake Oakley, an ophthalmic photographer from Sheffield, always had a passion for ice hockey before getting involved with the Steelkings and is delighted to see all the hard work paying off, with their latest accolade arriving when the club was named Every Body Moves's Club of the Month for February.

"There is so much hard work that goes on here, not just on the ice but off it too, and when the recognition is there, it's always incredible,” he said.

"We don't do it for that but the important thing is that hopefully this also does exactly what we're looking to do.

"We're trying to promote the club and the sport and show people there is this amazing opportunity just waiting for them.

"We really hope that people who see this want to come down and get involved.

"It's incredibly important that clubs are recognised, no matter what they do. There are always unsung heroes in these organisations and it's just nice to receive the recognition that is never looked for but always welcomed when received.

"It's fantastic that more people are shining lights on clubs like ours, especially organisations that are inclusive and work really hard to bridge the gaps in society.”

Para ice hockey first appeared during the 1960s before rapidly becoming increasingly popular and making its Winter Paralympics debut in Lillehammer in 1994.

And those in the Steel City can experience the thrills of taking part themselves, with all equipment available to hire at the Steelkings’ base at IceSheffield.

Any new players are set to receive a warm welcome from those already established within the club, such as Rachel Rawson, who believes the authentic family atmosphere makes it a great place to be.
"I saw it one night and was just like, what's that?" she said.

"It just looked so interesting, and one of my friends said that she was playing for the Steelkings, so it all started from there.

"I came down, tried a session out and loved it. It was like ice hockey bumper cars, it was great!

"The team are very welcoming, there's some great banter, so we have a great time and some great laughs.

"It's very inclusive for non-disabled people, disabled people, family and friends.

"It all comes together nicely as a family, and we describe ourselves as a family – we try and build each other up and support each other."

The club, who have now been invited to take part in the inaugural Northwest Europe Para Ice Hockey League, are also keen to ensure there are opportunities for the next generation.

One of their latest additions is 15-year-old Jack Grocock, who has quickly taken the sport to his heart.

He said: "My mum saw it on Facebook, so we came down to watch a game and ever since we've really got into the club and watched a few games.

"Then my brother got into it and they changed the age limit, so I started to play.

"The first time I did, I was falling over a lot but I just kept trying and I've loved it since the first time I got on the ice.”