COATS, N.C. (BP) — Last October in his first international game with Team USA, Kayden Beasley took a feed from sled hockey star and three-time Paralympian Declan Farmer and broke for the goal. He doesn’t remember much else about the one-on-one breakaway, just that he put enough juice on the puck to bounce it off the Italian goalkeeper’s helmet and into the net.

Beasley’s first goal earned him Player of the Game for the U.S., an honor he received again less than two months later in a 7-1 win over Czechia. There, it was his turn to deliver the assist that gave Farmer a hat trick.

That initial goal came on Oct. 12, a week before the five-year anniversary of ever being on a hockey sled.

A natural athlete who took to the sport quickly, Beasley’s growth originally placed him in a substitute role for the 2024-25 season. His stature has grown to where he was recently named to the team’s roster — trimmed by one spot — for the World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Buffalo at the end of May. He left on April 16 for training camp in Madison, Wis.

“I got into playing street hockey when I was younger,” Beasley told Baptist Press (BP). “I would wear my prosthetics most of the time.”

Beasley, as well as his brother, Caleb, were each born in China before being adopted a couple of years apart and joining the other three children of Anthony and Amy Beasley.

Born without legs, he was not one to default to using his prosthetics. As a result, Kayden’s upper body developed as it became his primary method of getting around. Looking at him, it’s hard to imagine that he only recently started lifting weights.

Strength has come in other forms for the family that attends Grace Community Church in Angier, N.C.

“His small group at church and a weekly Bible Study he has been a part of for nearly five years have played a vital role in keeping him grounded in His faith,” said his mother. “My husband and I are just as proud of who Kayden is off the ice as we are of his success on the ice. His success on the ice has not changed his character off the ice. We pray he continues to steward his story well for the glory of God.”

Free on the ice

Both Kayden and Caleb became involved with their local chapter of Carolina Hurricanes Sled Hockey. Kayden continues going to Saturday practices when he can to stay sharp. He’s primarily a forward for the national team, but his speed makes the 18-year-old an asset for getting back on defense.

During a trip to the doctor several years ago, someone looked at him. “Have you ever played adaptive sports?” they asked.

He and Caleb were constantly at each other on an old NHL video game, so he was a hockey fan. That’s when he learned about sled hockey.

“I was hooked by the third practice,” he told BP.

“I once overheard Kayden say he feels free when he is on the ice,” said Amy. “From the first time he got in a sled, he seemed to be made to play the sport. He is a natural and has worked hard to play at this level. My mama heart is full of joy seeing him excel at something he loves.”

Anthony Beasley said he is proud of his son, the sled hockey player, but even more so of who he is as a person. A favorite among his nieces and nephews, Uncle Kayden is often sitting on the floor with them and reading a story less than 24 hours after being on the ice.

“It’s surreal watching him out there with the best in the world, holding his own at the pinnacle of the game,” said Anthony. “Off the ice, he exemplifies humility like in Philippians 2:6-8. Our prayer is that he continues on the path before him, not as a successful young man but as a humble servant willing to follow Jesus.”

Showing who we are

The physicality and team bonding of the sport drew Kayden in. Hurricanes Sled Hockey helped him and Caleb — competitive as brothers are — to push each other to get better. The last eight months have been more of a mental adjustment to the sport.

“You have to be aware of your surroundings more,” said Kayden. “When I’m on the bench, I’m watching our line to see how I need to play.”

A new set of tryouts takes place in September for the national team. Kayden has every intention of being part of that squad that will move on to the 2026 Paralympics in Italy.   

Representing your country is every bit as cool as you would expect. There is another platform to consider, though. Kayden’s favorite Bible verse, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, speaks to understanding the forgiveness offered by Christ.

“It just shows that no matter how much we sin, God still loves us and we need to show that to others,” he said.

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)