By Mitch Bach

growing the game

Chisholm bracing for surge in sledge hockey players

Aug 29, 2019 | 5:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Four years ago, it was an idea.

Today, it’s turned into arguably the most popular inclusive sports program offered in the Gas City.

Sledge hockey participation numbers are seeing a drastic surge from year to year, and another big wave of newcomers are expected to sign up for this fall.

Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation are the founders of today’s sledge hockey programs, which will run every Sunday at the Family Leisure Centre beginning in October.

The teenager and adult recreational program will once again be offered, along with a youth program, which was installed last fall. Program coordinator for MHASR Tara Chisholm says nearly 20 youngsters participated last year, with even more expected to sign up for this winter.

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On top of her involvement in growing the game locally, Chisholm is also the head coach for the women’s national sledge hockey team — a position she’s held since the fall of 2013.

Chisholm is joined by her fiance and former men’s national team member Derek Whitson as assistant coach. Chisholm says their goal is to introduce women’s sledge hockey into the Paralympic Games in the coming years. They’re working to grow the game overseas, in hopes of creating a larger talent pool on a global scale.

Mitch Bach of CHAT Sports spoke to Chisholm about the upcoming season, where the surge in popularity is coming from locally, and how the national women’s team stacks up against other international teams.