Para ice hockey
Interested in Para Ice Hockey?
We currently have a large number of athletes participating in para ice hockey (sledge hockey) throughout the province. Our athletes compete at recreational, regional, national, and international competitions.
SportAbility is always looking for people to get involved with our programs. Join as an athletes, volunteer, or coach. Please see below for more information on programs, and get in touch with us if you’d like to learn more!
PARA ICE HOCKEY PROGRAMS (CLICK TO VIEW)
| Program | Level | Practice Time | Contact Details | Program Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SportAbility | Drop-In | For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | info@sportabilitybc.ca | A recreational drop in program for people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels to learn and practice skill development and systems. |
| City of Surrey | All abilities and skills welcome. Ages 6+. (Registered) | Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex (Rink 1) Saturdays, 11:45 - 1:00pm April 22 to June 17, 2023 | Register Course ID: 00261657 | Learn how to move on the ice in a sled and practice your hockey skills including passing, shooting, and game play. Para ice hockey equipment is provided. All abilities and skill levels welcome. |
| City of Vancouver | Beginner Age 6+ and New Athletes (Drop-In) | Hillcrest Rink Fridays, 5:15 – 6:30pm Visit the website and search "para hockey" to find the program dates. | Register | Everyone is welcome to participate - people with a physical disability and able-bodied people! This session is open to people who are new to para ice hockey or just want to improve their basic hockey skills. |
| City of Vancouver | Intermediate Scrimmage | Hillcrest Rink Fridays, 8:00 - 9:30pm Visit the website and search "para hockey" to find the program dates. | Register | Para Ice hockey for Intermediate/Advanced who want to play in a casual game. Everyone is welcome to participate - people with a physical disability and able-bodied people! |
| Victoria Wheelchair Sports | All Levels Age 7+ | Juan De Fuca Arena For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | Register Contact: Zack Zitek sledgehockeyvictoria@gmail.com | A recreational drop in program for people of all ages, abilities, and skill levels to learn and practice the fundamentals of Para Ice Hockey. |
| City of Kelowna | All Levels | Rutland Arena West Ice Rink For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | Register Contact: Ali Westlund awestlund@kelowna.ca | Come out and learn the basics of this fast-paced sport. The beginner program for kids is designed for any ability level. |
| City of Kelowna | All Levels | Rutland Arena West Ice Rink Kelowna, BC For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | Register Cost: $24.50 | Come out and learn the basics of this fast-paced sport. The beginner program for kids is designed for any ability level. |
| City of Kamloops | Youth | McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | Register | A recreational registered program for people youth to learn and practice the fundamentals of Para Ice Hockey. |
| City of Quesnel | All Levels | Quesnel West Fraser Centre, 330 Vaughan St, Quesnel, BC For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | Contact: tlefebvre[at]quesnel.ca | |
| Northern Adapted Sports Association | All Levels | Kin 1 Arena, Prince George, BC For upcoming dates and times, please contact program lead. | More info Contact: programs[at]northernadaptedsports.ca |
What is Para Ice Hockey (Sledge Hockey)?
Para Ice Hockey (formerly known as Sledge Hockey) is an adapted version of stand up ice hockey. Participation in BC is open to both people with physical disabilities and people who are able bodied. Instead of skates, players sit in specially designed sleds. Players move around on the ice using two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting. Upper body strength, core stability, and finger dexterity are necessary for full, independent participation in the sport. Adaptations such as push bars, anti tippers, chest straps, and higher backs on the sledges are available for those who may need the extra support.
Opportunities to Participate in Para Ice Hockey
Participation in BC is open to all ages, abilities, and skill levels. Weekly programs are offered throughout the province. SportAbility and our partners also offer camps, tournaments, and game nights throughout the season. This provides athletes with the chance to develop their skills outside of their weekly program sessions. View our calendar of events here. A BC Development Team and BC Provincial Team are selected each season for athletes seeking a competitive pathway. For more information on these high performance opportunities, please contact us or visit the BC Hockey website.
Can’t find a program near you? Let us know you’re interested in participating! Our goal is to provide access to sport for all British Columbians with physical disabilities.
Interested in bringing para ice hockey to students, clients, participants, children, or athletes? We offer opportunities for groups such as schools, clinics, and teams to try sports. We also offer community events! Check out our Community Engagement page here for more information.
Learn more about becoming a coach, official, or volunteer!
Check out our Para Ice Hockey Coaching Resource! It’s a useful online tool for coaches and facilitators.
Programs can provide equipment support for those who need it. This includes participants who are new to the sport, those facing financial barriers to participate, or those who participate recreationally. In need of equipment? Contact us to learn more about our equipment loan program.
Note that listed program ice times may vary.
Thank you to our Sledge Hockey Program Sponsors Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society!
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