U.S.EWHA PowerHockey News Release: 5/16/2000

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Minnesota -- Craig McClellan -- 763-535-4736 -- hockey@usewha.org

MINNESOTA STARS POWERHOCKEY™ TEAM TO COMPETE AGAINST CANADA'S BEST.

[May 16, 2000] -- The Minnesota Stars (U.S. EWHA traveling team) will be competing in Toronto, Ontario, May 20-21, in the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association's (CEWHA) National Tournament. The Stars will battle Canada's best Select teams from Toronto and Calgary, Alberta.

This year will also mark the first time two US teams (from different states) will compete against each other. The Stars will kick off an exciting weekend, with a stop in Detroit, Thursday, May 18, to play a promotional game. The Stars will then face a Detroit All-Star team in the CEWHA National Tournament, to determine the winner of the US Division.

The Minnesota Stars have competed against top players in the world since 1993. In 1993 (before the U.S. EWHA was created) the Stars competed in Germany. In 1995 the Stars traveled to Toronto, becoming the first non-Canadian team to ever play in Canada. In 1996 the Stars played in Calgary. In 1998 the Stars won their first International trophy, in London, Ontario, becoming the first US team to win a title. Now, in Toronto, the Stars will defend the Canada/US cup against teams from Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and London (Ont.).

The U.S. EWHA was founded in early 1996 by members of the first electric (power) wheelchair hockey team in Minnesota. Our mission is to provide a quality hockey program for persons requiring the use of an electric (power) wheelchair in daily life. Our program, PowerHockey, is a competitive sports opportunity for the physically disabled.

The U.S. EWHA answers a specific need within the disabled community. Programs, such as the Paralympics and Special Olympics (mental disabilities), do not have programs for power-wheelchair users. On average, these athletes have limited muscle strength, which is the main reason behind the lack of sports opportunities. The U.S. EWHA works to fill this void by providing a competitive sports opportunity for physically disabled, power-wheelchair, athletes.

For more information on both hockey programs please visit these web pages;
http://www.PowerHockey.com