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BY ALEX DIFILIPPO Wounded Warriors Bring Heart And Soul As U.S. Sled Program Wins Back-To-Back World Titles World Championship. But the energy and work ethic they brought to the table in their first trip over- seas with the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team was vital to the club returning from Hamar, Norway with its second straight gold medal. F 42 "Every team needs those energy guys who go out there and give everything they have every shift," said Team USA goaltender Steve Cash. "They might not score the big goals, but they make the little plays that eventually lead to the big plays." Rewind two years to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Roman and Sweeney had just met after both suffered injuries while serving in the U.S. military. Reinforcements Bringing In The orwards and Josh Sweeney were held off the scoresheet in all five games of the 2012 International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey Rico Roman Phoenix, Sweeney was also interested in giv- ing the sport a shot. Since then, the two have skated together as teammates for the San Antonio Rampage and developed a strong bond. "We really relate to each other well because we were both infantry and we were both wounded while overseas," Sweeney said. "We have the same mentality and the same drive to succeed in something. That's just how we're wired." Sweeney, a corporal in the Marine Corps, became a double amputee in Afghanistan in 2009, while Roman, an Army staff sergeant, lost his left leg in Iraq in 2007 – both of which were caused by improvised explosive devices. Shortly after their meeting, Roman told Sweeney of his intentions to try sled hockey at a local camp. As a former able-bodied hockey player at Ironwood High School in JUNE/JULY.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM and Sweeney, being involved in competitive sports plays a major role in their recovery, both physically and emotionally. "Adaptive sports and reconditioning play a critical role in allowing our wounded, ill and injured soldiers to achieve their physical goals and build the confidence essential for success in the next phase of their lives," said Brig. Gen. Darryl Williams, commander of the Warrior Transition Command. And for programs like the U.S. Sled For wounded warriors such as Roman PHOTOS COURTESY OF Anita Hector