TROY — Mark McKenna, of Canton, will be inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame on July 13, recognizing his significant contributions to sled hockey.

McKenna, known for his work with the Mountain Warriors sled hockey team, is only the second inductee from the sport of sled hockey.

Rene LeRoux, founder of the New York State Hall of Fame group, praised McKenna’s selection, describing him as “an honorable man” who has made “great accomplishments and great contributions to hockey.”

Former Clarkson player and Potsdam native Michael A. Smith nominated McKenna. Smith is a retired professional coach and front office executive who has worked with the original Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.

“He was very complimentary of Mark’s work,” LeRoux said.

Once a nomination is made, the Hall of Fame board does its due diligence, LeRoux said.

“Mark was an overwhelming inductee, an overwhelming choice, universally and unanimously approved 100% by the board,” LeRoux said. “We’re thrilled to have a gentleman and an honorable man like Mark McKenna.”

LeRoux noted that the Hall of Fame, now in its fifth year for hockey, follows strict nomination criteria. Candidates must be born in, play in, or live in New York State. The organization typically inducts 12 to 14 individuals annually.

McKenna said he felt it was too early for him to receive such accolades.

“I am honored and humbled,” he said.

McKenna has been playing and coaching hockey his whole life, but only became involved in sled hockey about 15 years ago.

McKenna said he was in a gym on Fort Drum, where he works as a civil engineer, when a soldier in a wheelchair came in.

“He couldn’t reach some equipment, so he left,” he said.

He spoke with the gym manager about the lack of accommodations.

Later, on his way home, he said, “Why not start a sled hockey team?”

In 2010 and 2011, he held “Learn to Play Sled Hockey” sessions. This spring, he hosted the 13th annual Mountain Warriors Sled Hockey Tournament at the Terry Martin Hockey Arena at SUNY Canton, featuring teams from Ottawa, Kingston, Durham (Toronto), Ont., Buffalo, Syracuse and Ft. Drum.

McKenna said he is thrilled to be included with the other inductees in the 2025 Class.

NHL photograph Bruce Bennett

—Jordan Juron of the National Women’s Hockey League

—Dave Malone, who played for 11 years with the New York Rangers

—Matt Murley, who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Phoenix Coyotes

—Erik Cole, who played for Clarkson University and then spent 15 years in the NHL

—Kathleen Kauth, who won a Bronze Medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics

—Ken Morrow, who was on the 1980 USA Olympic Miracle on Ice hockey team

—Melissa Sheeran, who played for the Connecticut Whale of the Premier Hockey Federation.

—Tim Gerrish, who coached at North Country Community College for more than 20 years and was an assistant coach for the National Women’s Hockey team.

—Jim Lorentz, who played for the Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers

—Billy Smith, who won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders

—Joe Juneau, who played for RPI and in the NHL

—Jiggs McDonald, who was a broadcaster for many teams, including the New York Islanders

—Joe Micheletti, who was a World Hockey Association player and later a broadcaster

—Graeme Townshend, who played for RPI and in the NHL.

McKenna said he has received a great deal of help in his efforts to promote sled hockey.

“I could not do this without the support from SUNY Canton, St. Lawrence, Clarkson, VFWs, Knights of Columbus, Pepsi, and north country businesses, restaurants and family and friends,” he said. “Thank you for helping me put disabilities on ice, and Hockey Heals!”

The induction ceremony will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Hoosick Street, with the reception starting at 4 p.m. and dinner served at 4:45 p.m.

The induction event is open to the public, with tickets available through the New York State Hall of Fame group.