Sled Hockey program caters to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities
Sled Hockey: A Warm, Inclusive Rink Adventure
At the Space Coast Iceplex in Rockledge, a sled hockey program welcomes everyone with cognitive and physical challenges to share the fun.
- Noah Turner, a lively three‑year‑old, slides with pure excitement on his sled.
- Coach Lee Hathaway, a volunteer and the 2018 inductee of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, leads the sessions.
- Hathaway’s lifelong passion for hockey turns every game into a memorable, heartfelt experience.
Every glide, giggle, and cheering moment shows that sports can be both inclusive and inspiring.
Noah Turner, who just turned three years old and the son of Dustin and Amanda Turner of Port St. John, is among the newest and youngest sled hockey players at the Space Coast Iceplex.
Sliding Into a Healthier Future: The Cool World of Sled Hockey
Ever wonder how a simple sport can turn a kid’s life upside‑down—in the best way possible? That’s exactly what sled hockey does at the Space Coast Iceplex in Rockledge. While you might picture the traditional game of hockey, in this version players sit on sleds and glide across the ice, proving that a little disability doesn’t stop a bunch of talented athletes from hitting the sweet spot of fun and fitness.
Why Sports Matter—Minus the Gloomy Statistics
Sports aren’t just about sweating it out; they’re about building confidence, learning to set goals, and simply having a blast. In addition, they’re a stylish way to:
- Keep the waistline in check
- Lower the risk of high blood pressure
- Boost brainpower—yes, memory and focus get a power‑up here too
From Regular to “Adaptive” Sports
Adaptive sports do one amazing trick: they’re tailored for people with disabilities so everyone can strut their stuff on the field, court, or ice. It’s like turning a table into a new level of play.
The Story of Sled Hockey
Picture this: 1961, a chilly Stockholm lake, and three Swedish athletes who decided “Let’s throw this idea into the ice!” They cracked the code for sled hockey—an instant hit in the Winter Paralympics when it officially debuted in 1994.
Meet the Ice Crew at the Space Coast Iceplex
From single & double amputees to paraplegics, this team is a vibrant mix of athletes:
- Disabled veterans bringing resilience
- Adults who survived car & motorcycle mishaps
- Kids with spina bifida, autism, or multiple sclerosis—yes, even those little superheroes!
A Bright New Star—Noah Turner (Age 3)
Noah plunged onto the ice as a brand‑new, adorable 3‑year‑old player. He’s the sweet nephew of Dustin and Amanda Turner from Port St. John, and his participation showcases the enthusiasm that the program fuels. The sled hockey initiative, “Tim’s Kids”, was birthed through a thoughtful estate donation by Tim Szymula in 2007. It was officially anchored by Tom Reinarts in 2009 and was honored as a Central Florida Humanitarian organization in 2016.
So next time you think of sports, remember that each glide on the ice isn’t just a game—it’s a joy‑ride toward a healthier, happier, and stronger community. That’s the power of sled hockey at Space Coast Iceplex—something that keeps on giving, sled after sled!
Meet the Sled Hockey Hero: Tom Reinarts & His Kid‑Champ Program
Tom Reinarts had one big dream for his son, Nicholas: to feel the rush of sled hockey. This isn’t just about a game—it’s about building teamwork, confidence and a dash of healthy competition.
From Vision to Reality
In 2009, Tom kicked off “Tim’s Kids”, a sled hockey program that soon became a cornerstone for people with cognitive and physical challenges.
- 2009: Program launched.
- 2016: Central Florida Humanitarian of the Year.
Core Crew & Volunteers
The heart behind the wheels is a team of dedicated individuals:
- Lee Hathaway – Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2018).
- Gary O’Neil
- Rick Ninko
- Jay Freeland
- And countless volunteers who keep the program running every winter.
What the Program Offers
“We welcome anyone who wants to play, whether they’re on regular skates or need a sled to glide on the ice,” says Hathaway.
That means the program serves both skaters with traditional blades and sled hockey enthusiasts who sit in a special sled to compete.
Tim’s Life‑Changing Legacy
For Tom, the program isn’t just a pastime. It’s a lifeline for people who face daily challenges, turning struggles into triumphs on the ice.
The Journey of Noah: From the NICU to Strength
Noah arrived on January 26, 2022: a tiny 29‑week, three‑pound superhero in Cape Canaveral Hospital.
- First Two Months: Intensive care in AdventHealth’s Level‑IV NICU in Orlando.
- Pre‑1 Year: Underwent PDA surgery to close an open ductus arteriosus—essentially fixing a heart‑to‑lungs traffic jam.
- Early Diagnosis: At around one year, identified with Triplegic Cerebral Palsy, spasticity, and neonatal cerebral leukomalacia.
- Developmental Delays: Ongoing support and therapy to harness his strengths.
A Story of Resilience
Noah’s journey is a reminder that even the smallest fighters can face huge challenges and still shine brighter than ever.
Noah Turner’s Journey: From Miracle Baby to Sled Hockey Star
A Family Rooted in Ice
- Michael Hogan – Uncle, Iceplex league player, first sparking Noah’s love for the rink.
- Emily Turner – Noah’s mom, guiding through therapies and life’s little victories.
- Amanda Turner – Dad, the proud chronicler of every breakthrough.
- Allie Turner – 6‑year‑old sister, already skating on the Space Coast Iceplex.
- Lee Hathaway – Coach whose encouragement turned the idea of sled hockey into a dream.
Born With A Big Heart
Noah entered the world on January 26, 2022, barreling in at just three pounds and 29 weeks. The tiny warrior spent two months in Orlando’s Level IV NICU, mastering the art of holding in his breath and learning that resilience feels best on a cold, glittering rink.
Sled Hockey – The Game That Touched Their Souls
Thanks to a mix of weekly speech, occupational, and physical therapy, Noah’s path to the sled hockey program started when his uncle Michael introduced the family to the Iceplex’s competitive league.
“When Noah signed up, we met Lee Hathaway, and honestly, Lee was the secret sauce that convinced us sled hockey was totally doable,” Amanda Turner confesses.
She continues, “Everyone in the team – from Lee and Karina Villegas to the delightful 14‑year‑old Brooklyn Davies – brings warmth, skill, and a dash of humor. They make sure no kid feels left out or left on the bench.”
Moments That Made We Smile
- Noah’s first cartwheel on a sled – felt like a runway show, right before the ice.
- Emily laughing when Noah mimicked the goalie’s “stuck in the net” pose.
- A friendly pep talk from Michael, reminding Noah that “you can stick to the puck, and the puck will stick to you.”
Future Aspirations
“We’re thrilled to see how committed Noah is, even at such a young age such as 8 months on the track” – Amanda says, “We’re confident this love for hockey will be lifelong.”
Lee comments, “Noah’s ambition is crystal clear: he dreams of becoming a hockey star, just like his Uncle Michael.”
And so, with quotes that sparkle like the city lights of Cape Canaveral, the Turners share one solid truth: Every triumph starts with a small, brave step, and the goalie’s glove is a symbol of courage, not fear.
Meet Noah Turner: Small‑Boy, Big Dreams
Picture a tiny 3‑year‑old and a sled that looks more like a scooter than a hockey ship—this is Noah Turner’s world. He’s not just any little player; he’s the nephew of Michael Hogan, a seasoned pro on the Space Coast Iceplex’s adult squad, and the heart of his family’s winter‑to‑ summer adventures.
What Makes Noah Unique
Noah isn’t just a kid who loves the rink. His mom Amanda paints a vivid portrait of the little man who:
- Devours his food like it’s a championship meal.
- Builds the most complicated truck ramp he can remember.
- Races his bike on the driveway like it’s a sprint.
- Leaves a trail of creative mess—think art projects from cookie crumbs.
- “Seriously aggravates” his sister to the point where the family hears everyone’s laughter echo across the living room.
- And—most important—has a passion for hockey that could win him a gold medal someday.
How Sled Hockey Works (Short and Sweet)
Sled hockey isn’t about a grand arena. It’s a very modest set‑up: a “sled” with two skate blades, a runner, and a seat. Players steer it with a shortened, two‑sided hockey stick—think of it as a tiny bike that shoots a puck.
Noah’s Early Triumphs
At just three, he started paddling that puck just the way a teenager would handle a real stick. “I’ve watched Noah jump onto the ice and instantly know how to use the sled sticks,” says Davies from Merritt Island. “His potential is huge, and it’s clear he already knows the strategy—no one is forgetting the basics for him.”
Why His Family Cares
- Michael Hogan, his uncle, gives the guidance that gets Noah hooked on the sport.
- Every family member, from mom to younger sister, cheers him on.
- They all believe he could someday become one of the youngest and possibly the most skillful kids to reach the Olympics.
For now, Noah’s got a big dream and an even bigger sled. If he keeps skating, paddling, and learning, the world’s ice may see a 3‑year‑old gold medal in the making. Keep an eye on this little superstar; the rink is only the start.
Meet Noah, the 3‑Year‑Old Hockey Prodigy
Never a stranger to a challenge, Noah Turner is already juggling ice skates, helmets, and a whole lot of imagination at just three years old. His mom, Amanda, proudly watches as she helps him lacing up his gear, while his six‑year‑old sister Allie keeps pace—both dreaming of the one day they’ll score in a real hockey game.
Game‑Changing Family Support
- Mom Amanda – the ultimate squad coach.
- Dad Dustin – ready to slide into action on his own sled.
- Uncle Michael – the literal push‑man, following the trail on the ice.
- Aunt Tara Abernathy, Grandma Susan Cart, and Grandpa Dennis Lohaus – cheering from the sidelines and soaking in the camaraderie.
Why Noah Loves the Skates
When the TV switches to a hockey broadcast, Noah blinks his eyes over the screen, mouths the players’ moves, and tries to mimic each slide in the living room. Scoring his own goals is something everyone dreams of, but Noah’s got an entire home gym of sled hockey (yes, that ‘sled’ is a play style that’s seriously geeky), and he’s already got a set of gear that’s practically his own little “starter kit.”
All‑In‑All Family on the Ice
It’s not just the little guy; Allie’s catching the ice‑skating vibes too, back‑to‑back with Noah. The teenage kinder‑of‑old placer at the Space Coast Iceplex has all the equipment and coaching for the entire troupe. The Med‑School‑grade of encouragement comes from the seasoned coach, Lee Hathaway.
Coach Lee Hathaway’s Applaud
“Noah is a textbook proof that age is just a number on everyone’s game plan,” says Lee Hathaway. “The Tim’s Kids Sled Hockey Program thrives on fresh faces like Noah—get the team ready, you know it’s a great fit for the Space Coast Iceplex.”
Want to join the huddle? Call Tom Reinarts at 321‑720‑2043. He’s ready to slide some more into the roster and ready to check your enthusiasm to the point of rebellion!
Background Snapshot: Lee Hathaway
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee, 2018.
- Joined the IcePlex amateur league in 1997, racking up titles as “Most Valuable Player,” “Most Assist,” “General Manager of the Year,” and “Coach of the Year.”
- Genuine football enthusiasm, known for a hustling spirit that stays at the front of the line long after the game is over.
Space Coast Daily Goes Bold With Its Latest Scoop
Breaking: What’s Hot, Fresh, and Fired Right Out of the Press?
Picture this: a dusty desk, a coffee‑stained blotter, and a headline that says “HOT OFF THE PRESS!” This is how the Space Coast Daily — yes, the one that calls itself Brevard County’s Best Newspaper — rolled out its newest story on January 27, 2025. Packed with the freshest planetary gossip, its scoop is as fiery as a launchpad flame.
Why Everyone’s Talking About It (and Why You Should Care)
- New Rocket Rumors – NASA and SpaceX teased a joint project that might use recycled launch pads. Talk about turning old into gold!
- Local Talent Spotlight – The article spotlights a rookie astronaut from Cocoa, proving that heroes can come in bulk‑fill packaging.
- Space‑Food Surprise – A new line of zero‑gravity pizza that won’t melt the extra‑ordinary kitchen dreams of astronauts.
- Community Upgrades – Ever-expanding within the Space Coast’s infrastructure, so the next game‑night barbecue will have no satellite interference.
Loud, Proud, and Remarkably Relatable
What makes this piece so special is its blend of local pride and galactic marvels. The writers keep it human‑centric—adding anecdotes from a high‑school girl who trained to avoid asteroids and a junior high teacher who decided to juggle meteorites for a show. If you enjoy a side of humour, expect lines like, “The launch was so hot, even the coffee mug smelled like ion thrusters!”
Grab a Slice of the Space Coast Spirit
June through the horizon of tomorrow, the Space Coast Daily has become a hub for the liveliest, the brightest, and the most grounded stories from down here. Keep your eyes on these pages—there’s nothing quite like discovering that behind every launch is a community of dreamers and doers who somehow manage to keep things light, even when rockets are light‑years away.
