How long-term sled hockey player pays it forward

Before he needed a sled, Joshua Deneau was already playing sled hockey. The 23-year-old was able-bodied when he started playing, originally helping the Michigan Sled Dogs who were experiencing a player shortage at the time. Deneau has been involved in sled hockey since he was two years old. “My aunt and uncle created the original Sled Dogs. I’ve just grown up around this my whole life,” said Deneau. “I’ve always been around helping.” 

Deneau first got in a sled at 14 and continued playing recreationally. Years later, after sustaining an injury in the Marine Corps, Deneau returned to the sport, this time as an adaptive athlete himself. 

He now customizes and builds sleds using old parts. “I call myself the unofficial equipment manager,” Deneau joked. “I’ve been around hockey equipment sales since I was in high school and I’ve been working on sleds for about two years.” 

Even after playing for nine years, this season challenged Deneau more than most, playing with top-level players. “Playing with all the Paralympian players this year was hard,” he said. “It really puts into perspective how great of athletes that they are.”

There were also difficult moments. Because he doesn’t meet the classification requirements, he can’t play for the Paralympics. But despite not qualifying, he said that he wanted to help other players get to the Paralympian level. “I try to say if I can’t do it, I might as well help the next guy who can,” said Deneau. “I’ve gone as far as I can in playing, but I’d like to eventually help coach and mentor. I already like to volunteer with the youth practices.”

Deneau’s idea of success in sled hockey is everyone having fun. He frequently jokes around with other teammates. “I feel like I influence a lot of people, just because I talk a lot of smack,” he joked. 

While having fun is important to Deneau, he also wants people to take sled hockey more seriously. He says one of the biggest misconceptions is that it’s not as competitive. “I think people don’t realize that a lot of these people don't need the help that they think they do,” he explained. “They are as competitive, willing, and as able as they can. I think people are not seeing how incredible people can be with their disabilities.”

Deneau’s journey has been marked by resilience and a deep sense of service, and it continues to shape the sport he grew up around.