Traveling far and wide over the past few years, Beasley’s talent nabbed the attention of the U.S. program, leading him to receive invites for national team camps.
“Just getting to the development camps is a process of its own. Only 60 people in the entire country are invited to that program, and then he was invited back each year before he was invited to join the development team. So it’s not something [just] anyone gets a chance to do,” Danny Morganelli, another Hurricanes Sled Hockey Coach, said. “It’s very elite just getting to the camp.”
Making his U.S. National Sled Hockey Team debut during the 2024-25 season and winning gold as a part of the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championship team, Beasley’s stock continues to rise, along with his game.
Producing seven points (two goals and five assists) in five games, he finished the tournament second on the U.S. in scoring.
“I can always get better. You can’t be satisfied with where you are now,” Beasley said ahead of his biggest challenge yet. “(The sport has) definitely gotten more competitive over the years. It’s still going to get more competitive, and hopefully we’ll get more awareness about it.”
Born as a congenital bilateral amputee with no legs and abandoned by his birth parents in China, Anthony and Amy Beasley adopted Kayden in 2009, when he was three. When the process was finalized, they brought him to their town of just over 2,000, roughly 30 miles south of Raleigh.
“We’re excited for Kayden to go (to the Paralympics), but we’re excited to watch more kids walk into the rink and say, ‘I want to try and play hockey,'” Hurricanes Director of Youth Hockey & Community Outreach Shane Willis added. “We’re using this platform now, and Kayden’s success, and his continued success, to continue to open doors for every young player in our city.”
Team USA’s quest for a fifth-straight Paralympic gold medal begins against host Italy at 11:05 a.m. ET on March 7 at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. To view their schedule for the event, click here.
To learn more about Hurricanes Sled Hockey, click here.