The extraordinary true story of the U.S. sled hockey team that overcame physical adversity and internal strife to win Paralympic gold. When former NHL star Rick Middleton accepted the position of head coach for the United States sled hockey team, he wasn't sure what to expect. The program had never medaled-had never even come close, in fact. But where Middleton might have found despair, he instead found an incredible group of men who had battled their way back from hell to play the sport they love. In Hockey's Hidden Gods: The Untold Story of a Paralympic Miracle on Ice, S.C. Megale uncovers the remarkable tale of a team that shocked the world by taking U.S. sled hockey from worst to first in the 2002 Paralympics. Odds of winning were dismal. The road to victory seemed unfathomable. But this cast of fifteen athletes with disabilities, athletes who had helped build a groundbreaking U.S. sled hockey program with almost no outside support, ultimately persevered on the global stage. Featuring a fascinating history of sled hockey, exclusive interviews with players and coaches, action-packed game coverage, and intimate profiles sharing the players' personal journeys, Hockey's Hidden Gods is the uplifting story of how once-shattered dreams can be reborn and rebuilt through tenacity, grit, and an indomitable spirit.
S.C. Megale is an adventurer, humanitarian, hockey lover, and author who lives outside Washington, DC, and was first traditionally published at the age of twenty-three. A prolific writer, Megale has been profiled by the Washington Post, USA Today, and the Today Show, among others. Megale's genetic and permanent muscular dystrophy lends a unique perspective to Hockey's Hidden Gods few other authors can match. For more information, please visit www.scmegale.com.
Foreword Preface Introduction Key for Player Stats Chapter 1: Lake of Legend: Sled Hockey's History, Rules, and Equipment Chapter 2: Manny Guerra, Jr. Chapter 3: Nagano Chapter 4: Joe Howard Chapter 5: Gathering the Team Chapter 6: Sly Flis Chapter 7: Training Champions Chapter 8: Patrick Byrne Chapter 9: Arriving in Salt Lake City Chapter 10: Dave Conklin Chapter 11: Game One: USA vs. Japan Chapter 12: Chris Manns Chapter 13: Game Two: USA vs. Canada Chapter 14: Josh Wirt Chapter 15: Game Three: USA vs. Norway Chapter 16: Brian Ruhe Chapter 17: Kip St. Germaine Chapter 18: Game Four: USA vs. Sweden Chapter 19: Dan Henderson Chapter 20: Game Five: USA vs. Estonia Chapter 21: James Dunham Chapter 22: Pat Sapp Chapter 23: The Storm Before the Storm Chapter 24: Gold Medal Game: USA vs. Norway Chapter 25: Lonnie Hannah Chapter 26: Matt Coppens and Jack Sanders Chapter 27: Aftermath Conclusion Acknowledgments About the Author
The untold true story of the U.S. sled hockey team that overcame personal hardships to win Paralympic gold.
A great book and story about another miracle: the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices these young men went through to accomplish an incredible goal. The incredible effort individually and collectively that they put together to win their gold medal is a great message for all of us. -- Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" US Olympic Hockey team The stories told within these pages will capture your heart and challenge you to think differently. From the history of the incredible sport of sled hockey, to the stories of community, taking risks, defining and redefining winning, and the true passion and dedication to overcoming adversity, this book is a true victor's tale. The way the pages flow purposefully together and weave with emotion will leave you wanting more. It is a privilege to have these stories shared, and to experience life through the eyes of those within. -- Jim Craig, Goaltender of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic Hockey team
