The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team is gearing up for an electrifying season, with every practice, game, and tournament serving as a critical stepping stone toward the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milano and Cortina, Italy. This upcoming season is not just about individual matches but about building a cohesive unit that can perform at the highest level on a global stage.
Team USA’s first major test is right around the corner. From October 20-26, they will head to Ostrava, Czech Republic, to participate in the 2025 International Para Hockey Cup. This tournament will offer the team a platform to refine their skills and assess their competitive standing against formidable opponents.
For avid fans, every game from the 2025 IPH Cup will be available for streaming live on the Czechia Para Hockey YouTube channel. This accessibility is a wonderful opportunity for supporters to follow Team USA as they strive for glory.
Seeking to secure their fourth consecutive IPH Cup title, the Americans will face a challenging lineup including host nation Czechia, along with Canada, China, and Italy—each vying for a spot on the podium at the upcoming Paralympic Games, which kick off on March 6.
Historically, the U.S. has shown remarkable dominance in IPH Cup play, remaining undefeated since the event’s inception in 2022. Last year, they showcased their prowess by defeating Canada 5-3 in the championship game at Ostravar Arena, setting a high bar for the current season.
Head coach David Hoff is keenly aware of the balance between maintaining their winning streak and evaluating the team’s evolving dynamics. “We haven’t finished the tryout process,” Hoff explains. “We’re still down to about 22 guys, looking to get to 17, and this is a great event for us to play five games and refine our roster.” The competitive atmosphere of the IPH Cup will be invaluable for assessing their talent and strategy.
According to team captain Josh Pauls, making a statement in Ostrava is crucial. As a seasoned player and the only sled hockey athlete to have claimed four Paralympic gold medals, Pauls emphasizes the significance of this competition. “We want to send a message that we’re ready to go,” he remarks. While past victories have set a strong precedent, the focus for the season ahead is firmly on the goals yet to achieve.
In their first preliminary game, the U.S. will face off against Canada, a team they’ve dominated in recent championship matchups. Pauls notes that while winning is certainly desirable, the focus of this early season is more about gradual improvement rather than just accumulating victories. The overarching goal is to peak during the Paralympic Games, where every player must perform at their best.
The depth of the U.S. team is a significant point of pride for both the players and coaches. Hoff acknowledges that as the overall depth improves, the individual skills of players are taking on new heights. “The cream of the crop just continues to get pushed higher and higher,” he notes. This commitment to depth adds a new layer of strategy and versatility in their gameplay.
Veteran players like Travis Dodson, Declan Farmer, Noah Groves, Brody Roybal, and Jack Wallace will play pivotal roles this season, alongside an infusion of younger talent who are rapidly evolving into formidable athletes. “We’ve been fortunate to turn young players that were good into players that are great,” Pauls asserts, praising the grassroots programs that have nurtured this new generation of talent.
The IPH Cup holds even greater importance in a Paralympic year. Pauls points out the compressed nature of the season, emphasizing that the team has less time to work on skills and chemistry before the ultimate endpoint at the Games. “This isn’t just going to be any tournament; these five teams are potential medal contenders,” he emphasized. “That’s really exciting, and it’s a great opportunity that we need to take advantage of.”
The challenges of a condensed schedule are not lost on Hoff and his staff as they forge ahead. They are committed to ensuring that players remain fit and ready for competition. Balancing training intensity with recovery will be crucial to maintaining player health and maximizing performance as they work toward the ultimate goal: competing for gold in Italy.
“We have to focus on being our best day in and day out,” Pauls concludes, exuding enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “We’re all ready to play hockey again.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc..