From Pain to Purpose: My Journey into Sledge Hockey and Why Grey Space Exists

The Beginning - Sledge Hockey

In 2010, I was told I had Ankylosing Spondylitis and Bilateral Avascular Necrosis — two diagnoses that slammed the brakes on my life as a stand-up hockey player. I was 13, full of competitive fire, and suddenly forced to accept a reality where getting on the ice the way I used to simply wasn’t possible anymore.

That moment changed everything. But it didn’t end my hockey story — it rewrote it.

Getting on the Ice Again — The Hard Way

My father told me about sledge hockey. At the time, I thought, “Why not?” I needed a way to stay connected to the game I loved. So I gave it a shot.

What I wasn’t prepared for was just how difficult that first skate would be.

The sled I used was uncomfortable and poorly fit. It didn’t respond the way I needed it to. I went from being a skilled skater in stand-up hockey to feeling like I was starting from scratch — awkward, unbalanced, and frustrated. There’s no other way to say it: the gear just wasn’t good enough.

Playing at the Top — But Always Tinkering

Despite the rough start, I kept pushing. Over time, I worked my way up and eventually played at the national level for Team Canada. I was living the dream — competing at the highest level, surrounded by the best athletes in the world.

But even then, I kept seeing the same story play out over and over: athletes being held back by their equipment.

I studied mechanical engineering to understand how to fix it. Every chance I got, I’d tweak my sled, adjust fitment, rework angles. I became obsessed with improving performance through better design.

Eventually, my Paralympic dreams were cut short by regulation changes. But instead of walking away from the sport, I doubled down — because I knew I could still make a difference.

The Birth of Grey Space Adaptives

Grey Space Adaptives was born from that fire — the frustration I felt as a new player, the knowledge I gained through engineering, and the passion I still carry for sledge hockey.

We don’t just build sleds. We build performance tools that let athletes play to their full potential.

One of my favorite stories is an athlete who came to us struggling to stay in his sled for more than 10 minutes at a time. After we custom-designed a frame that matched his body and needs, he was able to play full games — no adjustments, no stopping, just competing.

That’s the difference the right equipment makes. And that’s why we do what we do.

From the Ground Up — Literally

Our sleds are machined from a single piece of 6061 aluminum — no welds, no compromises. That means we’re able to build stronger, lighter frames with a higher structural integrity than traditional methods allow.

This isn’t just about materials — it’s about design. It's about understanding exactly how a sled needs to respond on the ice, and how every inch of aluminum affects an athlete's performance. That knowledge doesn’t come from a textbook. It comes from years in the game.

The Mission: Push the Sport Forward

Grey Space Adaptives exists to push sledge hockey forward. To remove the three biggest barriers that hold the sport back: Cost, Comfort, and Customization.

It’s also why I believe sledge hockey is for everyone — whether you’re disabled or able-bodied. The sport thrives when everyone brings their energy, their competition, their heart. Able-bodied players help build visibility and raise the level of play. And we all grow because of it.

One day, I dream of sledge hockey being broadcast like the NHL — a household name, with athletes able to earn a living doing what they love. That’s the future we’re building, one sled at a time.

Let's Keep Pushing

If you're an athlete, coach, or parent struggling with gear that doesn’t quite cut it — reach out. We’ll work with you to design a solution that fits, performs, and helps you play your game the way it was meant to be played.

Sledge hockey gave me a new purpose. Grey Space Adaptives is how I give back.

Let’s keep pushing.

Tanner Fandrey

Founder & Designer,

Grey Space Adaptives