Kayden Beasley has been selected to represent the United States on the national sled hockey team at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. At just 19 years old, Beasley is one of the youngest players chosen for the roster.

Beasley was born in China as a congenital bilateral amputee and was adopted by Anthony and Amy Beasley and brought to North Carolina on Christmas Day in 2009. He was raised in Coats alongside his older brother, Caleb.

In 2019, Beasley began playing sled hockey with the Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey Team, a nonprofit organization that provides adaptive hockey opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. His talent and determination quickly stood out, earning him invitations to USA Hockey development camps and national competition.

Beasley made his U.S. national team debut in 2024 at the International Para Hockey Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic, where he was named U.S. Player of the Game during the semifinal match against Italy. He followed that performance with a strong showing at the 2025 Para Hockey Cup in British Columbia, helping Team USA secure a gold medal.

Now preparing for his first Paralympic Games, Beasley will join a highly accomplished U.S. sled hockey team that has won multiple gold medals in past Paralympic competitions. His selection highlights both his athletic skill and the impact of adaptive sports programs in developing elite athletes.

When he is not on the ice, Beasley enjoys spending time with his family, hanging out with his brother, and playing video games.

The Town of Coats congratulates Kayden Beasley on this incredible achievement and wishes him the best as he represents his hometown and his country on the world stage.

Image is courtesy of Hockey Canada Photos and the NHL Website