Brian Valdez’ love affair with ice hockey began in 1987 when the Philadelphia Flyers played the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup. Born with cerebral palsy, which made walking without assistance impossible, Valdez grew up in Northeast Philly playing goalie for his neighborhood street hockey team — it was the only position he could play on his knees. Eventually, Valdez gave up street hockey and, for the next couple of decades, he figured his puck-stopping days were over. Then, two years ago, at age 45, Vadez discovered the Hammerheads Sled Hockey Association Inc., a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for athletes with disabilities to play.

Brian Valdez’ love affair with ice hockey began in 1987 when the Philadelphia Flyers played the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup. Born with cerebral palsy, which made walking without assistance …