A North Carolina teenager has captured international attention after helping secure a gold medal for the United States in sled hockey at the 2026 Winter Paralympics held in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Kayden Beasley, 19, who resides in a community approximately 30 miles from Raleigh, competed in all five games for Team USA during the Paralympic tournament. The young athlete contributed three goals and one assist as the American team claimed the gold medal, continuing a remarkable winning streak for United States hockey programs at the Italian venue.
Born in China as a congenital double amputee above the knee, Beasley was adopted on Christmas Day at age three by Anthony and Amy Beasley. The family, which had previously adopted another son from China, provided Beasley with a supportive environment where he would eventually discover his athletic calling.
The trajectory of Beasley's athletic career changed dramatically at age 13 when medical office staff informed him about the Carolina Hurricanes sled hockey club. Sled hockey represents an adaptive version of traditional ice hockey, utilizing specialized equipment that enables individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport at competitive levels.
Brian Jacoby, Founder and Co-Director of the Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey program, recognized Beasley's exceptional talent immediately. According to Jacoby, Beasley demonstrated natural ability from his first session and earned player of the game honors during his second international tournament appearance.
The young athlete's progression through competitive ranks proved swift. Following his introduction to the sport, Beasley received an invitation to a Team USA development camp and subsequently earned a position on the national team. His performance at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship, where he recorded two goals and five assists across five games, helped secure another gold medal for the United States.
Despite being the third youngest member of the Paralympic roster at 19 years old, Beasley has established himself as a reliable contributor to Team USA's success. His achievements arrive just weeks after both American men's and women's Olympic hockey teams secured gold medals at the same Italian venue during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Shane Willis, Director of Youth Hockey and Community Outreach for the Carolina Hurricanes, expressed enthusiasm regarding the impact of Beasley's success on the local sled hockey program. Willis emphasized the significance of having a gold medal winner within the Hurricanes Sled Hockey organization and anticipated that Beasley's achievements would inspire younger players in the program.
The athlete himself maintains perspective on his journey, acknowledging his adoption as part of his story while emphasizing that it does not define his entire identity. Beasley's success represents not only personal achievement but also demonstrates the potential of adaptive sports programs to transform lives and create pathways to elite athletic competition.
The Carolina Hurricanes sled hockey program, which introduced Beasley to competitive ice hockey, continues to serve as a vital resource for athletes with disabilities in the North Carolina region. The program's role in developing a Paralympic gold medalist underscores the importance of accessible adaptive sports opportunities at the community level.