At the end of August, Monica Quimby, co-captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning sled hockey team will make history as she represents the U.S. Women's National Team at the inaugural Women’s World Championship in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia — a milestone event for the sport.
Sled hockey is an adapted version of ice hockey for athletes whose disability may prevent them from playing stand-up hockey. The tournament is set to feature six teams, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, and team World, comprised of players from several nations.
Quimby’s path didn’t originally start with hockey. A former NCAA skier for the University of New Hampshire, Quimby’s athletic career took an unexpected turn in 2006 when an accident left her paralyzed. She went on to finish her degrees at UNH, but was always determined to find her way back to sports.
When Quimby set out to restart her competitive career, she decided to pursue Paracanoe, where she won a silver medal at the 2014 International competition in Lake Placid. Later that year, she transitioned into sled hockey, earning a spot on the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Team.
Sled hockey is growing quickly across the United States and Canada. The U.S. Women’s National Sled Hockey Team holds annual tryouts, and each year the turnout has steadily grown. What began as a small pool of athletes nearly a decade ago has expanded into a full pipeline.
“I just can't wait to see where the sport goes. We’re on the road to the Paralympics,” Quimby said. “The great thing about a team sport is there's literally a place for everybody.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning sled hockey program has become a central part of Quimby’s life. The Bolts have an organized travel team with a schedule that runs alongside the NHL hockey season from September to April.
“I've loved being a co-captain on the Tampa Bay Lightning sled hockey team and being that female force. I love teaching our new people that come up, and we have a youth team as well which is awesome.”
In April, the team earned a second-place finish at the National Championships, hosted at the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs.
“The Tampa Bay Lightning have been incredibly supportive of us," said Quimby. "Not only do we get to wear their sweaters, but they have been supportive in letting us auction off their gear. Being such a supportive group is the whole reason we’re able to travel as a team."
Sled hockey is a full contact sport that requires the players to be ambidextrous, using both hands with equal skill. The team trains as any high-level athlete would, both physically and mentally. Each player brings a unique story of how they came to the sport, but all share one commonality.. their love for hockey.
“The camaraderie is why I love it, and that's why I've been in it for so long. To see young kids light up, and know that this is the sport for them.. I love that,” said Quimby. “I love helping all of my teammates become their the best selves. Not only does it help us on the ice, it helps us off the ice, and it helps us with our transfers into our wheelchairs.”
Similar to their NHL counterparts, the Lightning sled team takes chirping and physical play to the next level. Their in-state rivalry with Space Coast Sled Hockey has only intensified over the years, and at times, things get ugly.
“Space Coast is like the Florida Panthers. Beating them is the best,” Quimby said. “Shoutout to Space Coast for being the dirtiest team in the league.”
When Quimby competes in Slovakia on August 26, she’ll be honoring 18-year-old Anna-Saphia Rogers, a player she mentored through the Lightning sled hockey program.
Anna-Saphia died in May after a battle with a rare medical condition.
“To be able to see yourself in somebody else is literally the ultimate gift. I loved doing one on ones with her. She was just so full of fire," Quimby said of Rogers. "Not only would she light up the room, but she was so willing to learn. I saw her as the next woman to be on the USA Team."
“There was a scrimmage that she forgot her practice jersey. I had one of my Team USA jerseys in my bag, so I gave it to her. Just the way she lit up.. it was important to me in that moment, and it was so important to her. She was scoring goals, she was just an incredible person and just so driven.”
Quimby plans to wear a pink sticker on her helmet throughout the tournament as reminder.
“Anna’s going to be with me at the first World Championships. I'm doing this for all the women and girls. It's so important to use the influence that you have in a positive way.”
“It will definitely be pink, since that was her favorite color.."
The inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship is set for August 26-31, 2025 at the Winter Stadium in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.
If you’re interested in joining the Tampa Bay Lightning Sled Program, you can find more information HERE.