Nikko Landeros, one of two Berthoud High School wrestlers who lost their legs in a highly publicized automobile accident in January 2007, this week was named to the U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team that will compete at the Vancouver Games in March.
Landeros was changing a flat tire nearly three years ago when he was struck by another Berthoud student’s car. Since then, Landeros made a name for himself as a punishing sled hockey defenseman.
The U.S. team captured bronze at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, and won gold at the 2002 Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
“Trimming this roster from 18 to 15 was extremely difficult,” Ray Maluta, coach of the team since 2008, said. “We’re confident that the group we’re bringing to Vancouver gives us the best chance to take home Gold.”
Landeros is one of six rookies on the 15-player team.
“It’s a blast,” the 20-year-old Landeros said in Novemember in the midst of trying to make the roster. Landeros’ legs were amputated just above the knee. “Best time of my life right now.”
The U.S. reinforced its reputation as a Paralympic gold-medal contender by winning the four-nation World Sled Hockey Challenge and beating host-country Canada in the championship game Nov. 21.
Landeros has been living in Buffalo, N.Y., so he can train with fellow team members. He began playing sled hockey in 2008. Thanks to a flair for physical play that he acquired as an able-bodied athlete in hockey, football and wrestling, he made a quick rise to the national team.
“It’s a great feeling,” Landeros said last month. “I’ve got great teammates, a great coach, and playing for the U.S. is really sweet. You can’t ask for more.”
The other boy hurt in the 2007 accident, Tyler Carron, also has taken up sled hockey. He is living in Fort Collins and plays for the junior national team.
