2025 | North Carolina | COED

Hurricanes Sled Hockey | Hurricanes | COED

Like every adaptive hockey athlete, Kayden’s story is one of grit, determination, perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and ultimate victory. At only 17 years old, Kayden is one of the best sled hockey players in the world, but the path he traveled to get here was not easy. Kayden was born in China, without legs. He spent his early years in an orphanage in China before being adopted by a family from Coats, NC at the age of three. As a child, he loved sports and was very athletic but had no outlet. By 2019 he had become withdrawn and disinterested.
That all changed in October of that year when his parents heard about Hurricanes Sled Hockey and brought him to his first practice. Kayden immediately fell in love with ice hockey, and quickly developed into one of the best skaters in the country. In the five seasons since that first time on the ice, Kayden has helped his Hurricanes Sled Hockey teammates win dozens of games, several tournaments, and even a national championship!!
If you ask Kayden though, he would tell you that his greatest accomplishment so far has been becoming a leader for his teammates both on and off the ice, as well as a role model for countless young adaptive athletes. He is living proof that no matter your circumstance, you can accomplish great things if you apply yourself, work hard, and follow the example set by the namesake of this award.
We’re so proud of all he has overcome and accomplished and look forward to where his hockey journey takes him next!