Moments before overtime of the B division finals between the KW Sidewinders and the Durham Steelhawks
The Western Fair District Sports Centre was home to one of the largest sledge hockey Tournaments of the year over the weekend.
“You see the same people coming back year after year, time after time,” said Todd Sargeant, who is the founder of the London Blizzard sledge hockey program and a tournament convenor. “They renew the friendships and the social aspects of it and that’s really cool to see.
This year’s tournament was the 16th annual. It was also the biggest to date. Over 200 athletes from 47 teams came to the Forest City to compete in one of seven tournaments.
“This facility we have here is fabulous because everybody congregates in the middle. You can see all four games going in just a few steps,” said Sargeant on the location.
The KW Sidewinders celebrating their B division championship in overtime
The tournament saw players from all over the world to play the sport they love. Sargeant says they were expecting teams from China and Morocco but were unable to make the trip because of visa issues.
“They promised they’re coming next year,” said Sargeant with a smile.
The sledge hockey community is a tight-knit one. Players have often played with or against each other no matter where they came from. There were also current and former Paralympians who competed in the higher level tournaments.
But it was the support from outside that stood out to Sargeant.
“It’s a real good thing for us. We get some good press and what that does for us is it helps a little with player recruitment, it helps with some sponsorship. Over the years, we’ve been really fortunate to have people on our side here.”
A HUGE Thank You to all of our tournament organizers, volunteers, sponsors, players and fans! We couldn’t do this every year without you! #blizzard20 #sledgehockey #sledhockey #paraicehockey #oxfordmobility #voyago @YurekHomeHealth @43_Kadri @KadriFoundation pic.twitter.com/2uhqbUd6WF
— London Blizzard Sledge Hockey (@LondonBlizzard) January 26, 2020
Sargeant founded the London Blizzard sledge hockey club in 1997. They receive grants from the city and province to help with the cost so those with a disability are able to enjoy the sport.
As for next year’s tournament, Sargeant says that it will only grow.
“Surely, we’ll have at least 50 teams.”
