FourBlock Alumnus Selected for 2017-2018 US National Sled Hockey Team

Ralph DeQuebec is one step closer on his journey to the 2018 Winter Paralympics.

Update: Ralph and Team USA have since competed in the 2018 Winter Paralympics and have returned from PyeongChang victorious! The team ended its undefeated run with an unforgettable gold medal game against Canada. You can watch highlights right here.

Original story follows:

FourBlock alumnus Ralph DeQuebec (Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Ret.) has been selected by USA Hockey for the 2017-2018 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team.

DeQuebec is one of just four new athletes—and the only new defensemen—added to the roster, joining 13 returnees from last season. The Marine Corps veteran was previously a member of the 2016-2017 Developmental Team, where he served as Team Captain.

“This was the most competitive tryout in program history and we’re excited to get this season underway,” said Dan Brennan, director of sled hockey for USA Hockey and GM of the 2017-18 US National Sled Hockey Team.

In 2012, DeQuebec was wounded in Afghanistan while disarming an improvised explosive device (IED), losing both legs above the knee. During his recovery and work with FourBlock, he discovered his passion for sled hockey and set a goal to make it to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

“I’d like to thank FourBlock and everyone who has continued to support me through this journey,” said DeQuebec. “Without your support and guidance, none of this could’ve been possible. To be on the other end of the phone when I was told I was selected for the U.S. National Team was phase one of a dream come true. A lot of hard work and dedication has been put forth for the last three years, and not just by me, so I’m pleased to say, ‘We did it!’ Now the real work begins.”

Over the last three years, FourBlock has successfully hosted the Inspire Games, an annual hockey tournament in cooperation with Marsh & McLennan Companies in NYC, to raise awareness and support for DeQuebec’s journey toward PyeongChang, South Korea. FourBlock will continue working with Ralph and inspiring more veterans in the years to come.

Source: USA Hockey

FourBlock is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is the nation’s local network for leading veteran professionals. Each year, hundreds of veterans in every corner of the country are equipped to pursue careers right for them, thanks to the support of local FourBlock communities. From leading organizations to launching innovative new ventures, FourBlock veterans are tackling mission critical goals at Fortune 500 companies through the power of the FourBlock network. To learn more about how FourBlock is helping veterans transition better and building a national community of veteran professionals, visit www.fourblock.org.