Whether it's a game or just practice, the Youngstown Boom Sled Hockey team draws quite the crowd.


"When people without disabilities watch our athletes on the ice, they don't feel sorry for them. They say how cool the sport is and how they really want to try it," said Lisa Followay, Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio.


Inspired by their son, Followay and her husband Brett launched the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, or ASPO, in 2009 giving people with physical disabilities a shot at participating in competitive and recreational adaptive sports.


In 2011, they added sled hockey to their line up.  Last winter, they scored big adding a team at the Ice Zone in Boardman.


"It gives us all the opportunity to be just like everybody else in a sense. We all desire to be on a team, all encouragement and it is a great feeling for all of us because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are getting to have here," said Michael Reiner of Wellsville.


"Being out there with friends and stuff, you know, and being able to compete with other people, just being out there is fun," said William Dudash of New Castle.


The team practices each month and even goes on the road to play other teams.  They follow typical hockey rules while out on the ice.


ASPO provides the ice time for games and practices and provide the sleds, which run about $1,100 a piece, a price that's paid over in smiles time and time again.


"It changes their lives.   I mean, the smiles on their faces, the kids just come out of their shells.   I mean, they go from not talking, to you can't stop them from talking.   It opens up their futures.   I mean to them, if I can do this, what else can I do?," said Brett Followay.