About Our Team
LA Kings Sled Hockey provides physically disabled youth and adults throughout Southern California the opportunity to play USA Hockey recognized program. Sled hockey athletes discover that piloting a sled is fun and a great form of exercise. Athletes who participate regularly will increase their arm and abdominal strength and their endurance. Players will have the opportunity to travel to compete nationally and locally, and build new relationships. Adults and youth players (5 and older) are welcome. The adult team plays in the Pacific Sled Hockey League and also represents the LA Kings at the NHL Sled Classic and the National Sled Hockey Championship.
Manager’s Mission
Welcome, my name is Erick Arellano; I am the new manager for the Los Angeles Sled Hockey Team for Southern California. I am 42 years old and medically retired from the United States Air Force after an injury that I sustained. After being cleared to return from overseas, where I served my whole career, I fond myself readjusting back to civilian life which has been a challenge.
Throughout my transitions, I faced many obstacles, but one thing I can say is sports saved my life. Diagnosed with cognitive, neuromuscular, PTSD, and TBI related disabilities, I found myself helpless and useless in life which led me to be suicidal behaviors. After receiving care for my disabilities through Veterans Affairs (VA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), and UCLA Operation Mend, I was introduced to Angel City Sports and Merging Vets & Players (MVP).
Form those two organizations, I regain my confidence and sense of purpose in life. I participated in all types of adaptive sports which include Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Tennis, Adaptive Swimming, Adaptive Golf, and other sports that I did not mention. However, of all the adaptive sports that I participated in, one stood out the most, sled hockey. So here I am now managing the sled hockey team in hope of giving back to the community and sharing my personal experience through peer support to help others navigate recover, identify, and reintegration.