THE DENTED PUCK FOUNDATION
A Decade of Transformation for Blind Hockey: 2024-2034
Charting the Course for Blind Hockey's Future
The Dented Puck Foundation has embarked on an ambitious 10-year strategic plan to fundamentally transform the landscape of Blind Hockey. This roadmap outlines a progression from foundational national expansion and community engagement to critical international outreach, youth development, and the ultimate aspiration of Paralympic inclusion. The goal is to dismantle barriers, elevate the sport's visibility, and establish Blind Hockey as a recognized global athletic pursuit.
Phase 1: National Growth & Awareness (2024-2026)
Projected National Team Expansion
This chart illustrates the planned year-over-year growth in the cumulative number of Blind Hockey teams across the United States, showcasing the foundation's commitment to making the sport accessible nationwide.
The Three Pillars of Growth (2025)
The 2025 strategy is built on three core principles designed to create a self-sustaining cycle of expansion and engagement for the Blind Hockey community.
Phase 2: Youth Development & Global Outreach (2027-2029)
Cultivating the Next Generation
50%
By the end of 2027, the goal is to provide 50% of all school-aged children with visual impairments in the U.S. the opportunity to participate in floor hockey, ice skating, or blind hockey, building a sustainable talent pipeline.
Laying Paralympic Foundations
4+
In 2029, the plan initiates international expansion by supporting British Blind Hockey and hosting camps in at least 4 satellite nations (Sweden, Germany, Italy, Macedonia) to build the global presence required for Paralympic consideration.
Phase 3: The Road to Paralympic Inclusion (2030-2034)
The Path to the World Stage
The final phase is a focused, strategic push towards achieving the ultimate goal: securing a place for Blind Hockey in the 2034 Winter Paralympics. This involves critical demonstrations, formal inclusion pushes with national and international bodies, and establishing a permanent home for the sport.
Demonstration game before the IOCPC
Formal push for USOPC inclusion with key partners
Establish the "Home of Blind Hockey" in Utah
Final international awareness campaign
Paralympic Inclusion & Enduring Legacy
A Decade of Milestones
2024: Community Exposure
Engage with the National Federation of the Blind and establish frameworks for the first 4 teams.
2026: Mainstream Recognition
Forge initial partnership with the NHL and launch "Blind Skate USA" Try-It events to create national hockey awareness.
2028: Westward Expansion
Consolidate a western presence by establishing teams in NV, SoCal, and ID, and host the first Western Regional Event.
2029: Global Outreach
Push to support British Blind Hockey and host a European tournament to begin laying Paralympic groundwork.
2032: Home of Blind Hockey
Launch a capital campaign for a permanent, dedicated community rink and development center in Utah.
2034: Culmination & Legacy
Achieve the goal of Paralympic inclusion and establish an enduring cultural legacy for Blind Hockey.