Local sledge hockey players practice on Jan. 17, 2022 at the Big Marble Go Centre. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

This weekend at Big Marble GO Centre

Sledge hockey in Medicine Hat hits milestone with inaugural Larry Godin tournament

Jan 18, 2023 | 10:49 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The puck drops Friday on the inaugural local tournament in a sport whose popularity in Medicine Hat rivals that in Alberta’s two biggest cities – sledge hockey.

“We have the highest numbers we’ve ever had,” says Tara Chisholm, program manager for Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation. “We have four teams that compete here in town or that practice here in town and compete across the province. So we are one of the largest clubs in the province. Even bigger than Edmonton and about the same as Calgary.”

Players were out Tuesday practicing ahead of the first Larry Godin Sledge Hockey Classic this weekend at the Big Marble Go Centre will feature all four of our city’s teams and two from Calgary.

Chisholm says naming the tournament after Godin is a big deal. She says he’s known to be a big supporter of hockey in the community but not as many people know he’s a big supporter of sledge hockey as well.

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“He has been with us step by step since we started in 2014 and really making sure that we can get this sport viable here in town. We’re really excited to name it after him,’ she says.

Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation has held smaller jamborees and fun events in the past, says Chisholm, but a full tournament is important for the kids to showcase the game they practice each week to their friends, family and the community.

One of those players is nine-year-old Reid Hintz who is most excited to score goals this weekend and encourages everyone to try sledge hockey.

“It’s very fun and anyone can play,” says the second-year player.

In sledge hockey, also known as para hockey, players use a sled that allows them to sit down in a bucket-style seat that has two hockey skate blades underneath it. Athletes propel themselves along the ice using a stick in each hand that has metal picks on the end. At the grassroots level athletes with and without disabilities are welcome to play together.

A community try-it event open to everyone will take place from 12:15-2:15 p.m. on Saturday. Chisholm asks anyone who has a helmet and gloves to bring them and to wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and a sweater. Sleds and sticks will be provided.

Visit mhasr.com for more information on the tournament.