Through its affiliation with USA Hockey Inc., U.S. Paralympics and various community-base disability sports organizations, the primary mission of The United States Sled Hockey Association is to foster the advancement of sled hockey for all individuals, disabled and able bodied, male and female, without prejudice or discrimination. The organization pledges, through progressive leadership and mutual cooperation, to ensure meaningful opportunities and enjoyable experiences for competitors in a sportsmanlike environment, both within the United States and internationally.

USSHA is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was first formed in 1989 under the name of the American Sled Hockey Association. In 1998, the name was changed to United States Sled Hockey Association to better align the organization with its Olympic counterpart, USA Hockey.

USSHA began sending teams to international competition in 1989, but it was not until 1998 that USSHA was able to send its first team to the Winter Paralympic Games. Team USA finished fifth at the Nagano Games. Two years later in the 2000 World Cup, Team USSHA finished a very disappointing sixth. However, at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Paralympic Games, Team USA went from worse to first and was undefeated to win Paralympic GOLD!

USSHA offers competition in adult and youth division on the local, regional and national level. USSHA currently has established adult and/or youth programs in nineteen (19) different states, which represent eight (8) regional USSHA districts. In addition, as of May 2002, there are new programs being considered in six other states.

USSHA has five adult teams and two junior teams directly affiliated with the National Hockey League (NHL). The Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and St. Louis Blues all have allowed their names and logo to be used by sled hockey teams. In most cases, NHL support has also included equipment and program grants.