MILAN, Italy (BP) – A U.S. Olympic triple crown in hockey is very much in play over the coming weeks.
The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has dominated its sport this century, winning a record five gold medals at the Paralympic Winter Games, including the last four. That’s in addition to seven World Para Ice Hockey Championship gold medals and 12 Para Hockey Cup titles. They begin this year’s Paralympic Winter Games, starting March 7 against Italy, as decisive favorites.
Kayden Beasley, 19 years old and a member of Grace Community Church in Angier, N.C., will be there to fulfill a longtime goal. His parents, Anthony and Amy, and brother, Caleb, are currently in Milan to cheer him on.
Since the start of the year through mid-February, Kayden worked out with Team USA in Colorado. A visit home preceded his departure to Italy on Feb. 26.
“Things have been super-busy,” his mother told Baptist Press. “He is very close to his siblings, brother and sister-in-law, nieces and nephew, as well as my parents. His brother is his best friend, and they were so happy to be back under the same roof, even if for a short time.”
People from his church and a core group of friends have maintained contact and given support and accountability, said Amy. Kayden’s cheering section will include his family, Amy’s best friend and 11 members of the Hurricane Sled Hockey program, where Kayden and Caleb first got on the ice.
Kayden, born without legs, was adopted from China at 3 years old, a couple of years apart from his brother. He began playing sled hockey with a program through the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and immediately turned heads.
“Honestly, the first day he came on the ice, he got a sled, took off, and skated for about 30 minutes. I went over to his dad and was like ‘Has he ever done this before?’ remembered Hurricanes Sled Hockey Coach Geoff Winn. “He just seemed like a natural from the very first moment he was on the ice, and then just got better from there.”
Last year, he made his debut with the U.S. national team, scoring two goals with five assists at the International Para Hockey Cup and ranking second on the team in scoring. He also set up a hat trick for star Declan Farmer in the win.
The Paralympic Winter Games will air on Peacock, with the Opening Ceremony airing March 6 at 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Team USA’s sled hockey game against Italy starts at 11:05 a.m. Eastern on March 7.
Competing at the sport’s highest stage can be heady. His parents are encouraging him in the moment, but remain grounded.
“We were all so incredibly excited for the men’s and women’s hockey teams to both beat Canada and bring home the gold,” said Amy. “Anthony and I have encouraged him to read his Bible and pray each day. Kayden has committed to reading the Bible through this year and we are so proud of him. He realizes that the Lord has graciously given him this platform at this particular time in history, and his desire is to use it for God’s glory.”
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