Making History at the 2026 Sled National Championships
The 2026 USA Hockey‑Honda Sled National Championships unfolded in Dallas as a showcase of growth and inclusion, bringing together 52 teams and nearly 600 athletes across a spectrum of divisions. For the first time, the tournament featured an Adult Tier I bracket that welcomed female competitors, marking a watershed moment for the sport.
Among the standout moments were the historic debut of three women — Erica McKee, Catherine Faherty and Katie Ladlie — who stepped onto the ice in the top‑tier Adult division for the first time, representing the United States Women’s National Sled Hockey Team that had just captured the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship.
Dominant Performances and Tournament Results
McKee, who skated for the Chicago Freeze, contributed a goal in a 7‑4 victory, while Faherty, playing for the Northeast Passage Wildcats, scored twice, including the decisive marker in a 1‑0 shutout. Their performances helped the Wildcats sweep the Chicago Freeze in all three matchups, underscoring the competitive balance of the tournament.
The championship weekend also highlighted youth excellence, with Colorado Avalanche Youth edging Columbus Blades 2‑1 in a shootout for the Tier III title, and the San Diego Jr. Ducks, led by Liam Brenes’s six‑goal explosion, capturing the Tier IV crown with an 8‑3 win over Hammerheads Youth.
Beyond the scores, the achievements sparked optimism for the future of the sport. McKee voiced a desire to see more women elevate their programs to higher tiers, while Mitchell Wennberg Jr., a young forward dreaming of a Paralympic berth, expressed hopes for a long career in sled hockey.