AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 12, 2023 – Hanger, Inc., a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care service and solutions, today announced as part of its annual conference, Team USA Hockey will participate in the first-ever Hanger LIVE Sled Hockey Classic. The conference, Hanger LIVE, brings together employees and exhibitors from across the U.S. for educational courses and collaboration with colleagues, manufacturers, and industry partners.
With this year’s conference theme of “ShiftMoveGo,” the hockey game will be an integral part of Hanger LIVE’s Opening Ceremony at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. The game will broadcast live on Monday, January 23 at 6:45 p.m. Central time on Hanger Clinic’s YouTube channel, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring our players together for this unique teambuilding event,” said General Manager of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team Dan Brennan. “After navigating a restricted playing landscape due to the pandemic, the exhibition game will provide a special atmosphere for our team, and we can’t wait to play in front of the Hanger LIVE crowd.”
The defending Paralympic gold medal-winning team is made up of 17 players, including decorated medalists Josh Pauls and Declan Farmer who helped the team claim the gold medal at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Since its introduction to the Paralympic Games in 1994, the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has won five Paralympic Winter Games gold medals (2022, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2002) and one bronze medal (2006), along with five International Paralympic Committee Sled Hockey World Championship gold medals. Members of the U.S. Women’s and Men’s Development Sled Hockey Teams will also participate in the game, including one of Team USA’s youngest Paralympians, Lera Doederlein.
“Empowering human potential is at the heart of what we do, and we are incredibly honored to help showcase this impressive group of athletes on the national stage,” shared Hanger Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vinit Asar. “With this being our first in-person Hanger LIVE since February 2020, there’s no better way to celebrate the achievements of our employees and partners than with this unforgettable experience.”
This will be the first time the top-ranked U.S. National and Development Sled Hockey Teams have played a nationally broadcasted exhibition match, and the game will be part of a weekend-long training camp held in the Dallas area.
The broadcast announcers will consist of an impressive group, including Paralympic gold medalists and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games NBC contributors Mallory Weggemann and Taylor Lipsett, along with Texas Rangers announcer and radio host Jared Sandler.
More details on how to watch the game live on YouTube can be found on Hanger Clinic’s website at https://hangerclinic.com/events/patient-events/hanger-live-sled-hockey-classic/.
About Hanger, Inc. – Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hanger, Inc. provides comprehensive, outcomes-based orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) services through its Patient Care segment, with approximately 875 Hanger Clinic locations nationwide. Through its Products & Services segment, Hanger distributes branded and private label O&P devices, products and components, and provides rehabilitative solutions. Rooted in 160 years of clinical excellence and innovation, Hanger is a purpose-driven company with a vision to lead the O&P markets by providing superior patient care, outcomes, services and value, aimed at empowering human potential. For more information on Hanger, visit corporate.hanger.com.
Krisita Burket, Hanger, Inc.
904-239-4627, kburket@hanger.com