Blind Hockey

About

Blind Hockey is an adaptive form of ice hockey designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. It isn’t just “hockey with less vision,” it’s a carefully engineered parasport built around three guiding principles: safety, inclusivity, and the strategic use of auditory and spatial awareness.

Players use a specially designed puck that’s larger than standard, made of hollow sheet metal, and equipped with ball bearings to create distinctive sound cues. This enables athletes to track the puck by ear, fostering heightened teamwork, strategy, and perception while showcasing athletic prowess in entirely new ways.

Competition

Blind Hockey competition mirrors the intensity and excitement of traditional ice hockey while incorporating thoughtful adaptations that ensure accessibility and competitive balance. Games are played on standard ice rinks with six players per side: three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender. Athletes compete in three periods of play with the same spirit of speed, strategy, and teamwork that defines hockey at its highest levels.

The modified puck is larger, travels at controlled speeds, and produces audible cues, giving players with varying levels of vision equal opportunity to track and control play. Rules emphasize both safety and inclusion, with specific modifications to face-offs, offsides, and penalty procedures.

Blind Hockey is experiencing rapid growth across North America and internationally, with established leagues, tournaments, and exhibitions creating platforms for athletes to demonstrate their exceptional skill and dedication. Competitive play develops not only hockey talent but also leadership, resilience, and lasting community connections among athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

Equipment

The Puck: Constructed from hollow steel and filled with ball bearings, the puck is larger than standard, travels at manageable speeds, and produces audible tracking sounds that enable players to follow play by ear.

Gameplay Modifications: Teams follow standard ice hockey structure with strategic rule adaptations for offsides, icing, and face-offs designed to ensure fair play, safety, and competitive balance.

Goaltenders: Must be completely blind to maintain competitive equity. Communication through stick taps, verbal cues, and positional awareness is essential for effective goaltending.

Passing Rule: To encourage teamwork and strategic play, teams must complete at least one pass in the attacking zone before attempting a shot on goal.

Protective Equipment: Players wear standard hockey protective gear with individualized adaptations as needed for vision protection, spatial orientation, and personal comfort.

These carefully designed adaptations create a highly competitive environment that showcases skill, tactical awareness, and collaborative excellence—proving that Blind Hockey delivers the same dynamic excitement and athletic achievement as traditional hockey.

Learn More

Move United member The Dented Puck is dedicated to expanding the sport across the United States by developing programs, supporting athletes, and building vibrant communities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Programs near you

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