Elliott's Story

Before Elliott joined the sled hockey team at Turnstone, he didn’t know adaptive sports existed and he had never met anyone else with a disability. He practiced martial arts for years at a dojo where he was the only athlete with a disability. Tired of sparring with non-disabled opponents, Elliott wanted to discover a place where he could be surrounded by people who had similar abilities.

“…I wanted to experience something where everyone is on the same playing field and that experience came with Sled Hockey at Turnstone,” said Elliott. His mom discovered Turnstone’s adaptive sports program online and his journey with Sled Hockey began.

Upon joining the sled hockey team, Elliott finally found a place where he could excel in his abilities and meet athletes who had similar experiences as him. In the last four years, he has grown immensely in his skill and confidence.

Elliott was invited to the USA Men’s National tryout after attending the invite-only developmental sled hockey camp three years in a row. Only 80 athletes in the nation were selected for the developmental camp and of those 80, only 30 athletes were invited to the USA Men’s National Tryouts. This is a step towards Elliott’s dream of making the USA Men’s National Team and becoming a Paralympian.

Outside of improving his athletic skills, Turnstone’s adaptive sports and rec program provided Elliott with a chance to experience a team sport.

“With martial arts I didn’t really have the locker room comradery and the teammate dynamic since it’s more of a single sport, but in sled hockey, I am enjoying being a part of a team and getting to know my teammates,” said Elliott.

Being a part of a team was a new concept for Elliott, and he quickly saw how much trust and collaboration go into teamwork. For the first time, he got to experience what it was like to be a part of a supportive community instead of only relying on himself.

“I have learned so much about how to be a better player and how to encourage other people on the team, not just myself,” said Elliott. “Without Sled hockey I don’t think I would have ever experienced the team sport atmosphere because there’s not a lot of opportunity for that around at all…”

Never one to back down from a challenge, Elliott continues to practice martial arts in the same dojo while also pursuing his Sled Hockey dream of becoming a Paralympian. He also plans to pursue a degree in ministry to become a pastor.

“My dad was a bodybuilder so I think he showed me how to be dedicated and I think I am a dedicated person. I refuse to be mediocre at something… not saying I am the best player but I just won’t be okay with just average. I strive for greatness.”

Turnstone and our community of supporters like you offer access and opportunity where it may not otherwise exist. We are proud to expand the horizon for athletes like Elliott who work hard and dream big.

Pictured below left to right: Cai (Elliott's sled hockey teammate) and Elliott laughing together on the ice.