SUBSCRIBE! Sign up for our daily newsletter and never miss a story!

By Mitch Bach

INTERVIEW: Paralympic medalist Whitson discusses Sledge Hockey Nationals, retiring from play

May 11, 2018 | 2:57 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — After an illustrious, 18-year sledge hockey career, which includes back-to-back National Championships along with a Paralympic bronze medal at the Sochi 2014 games, Derek Whitson is retiring.

The 28-year-old says it’ll give him more time to focus on coaching the Canadian women’s sledge hockey squad, in hopes of one day seeing the female version of the sport compete in the Paralymic Games.

Whitson, along with several more members of the provincial team, will hopefully win the final game of their careers on Sunday — in the Championship Final of the 2018 Canadian Sledge Hockey Championships in Richmond, B.C.

What's On
Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in June
Jun 01, 2026
Smile Sundays
NAOAGA tournament starts Monday at Connaught Golf Club, Medicine Hat's Florkowski looks for seventh win
May 31, 2026
What's On
Here is what's on in Medicine Hat this weekend: May 29-31
May 29, 2026

Mitch Bach of CHAT Sports spoke with the 2013 world champion prior to his departure, who explains what Team Alberta needs to do to leave with a third straight national title, and where he sees the women’s national program going in the next few years.

by Mitch Bach

Our Community

What's On
Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in June
Jun 01, 2026
Smile Sundays
NAOAGA tournament starts Monday at Connaught Golf Club, Medicine Hat's Florkowski looks for seventh win
May 31, 2026
What's On
Here is what's on in Medicine Hat this weekend: May 29-31
May 29, 2026
Raising money for MS Canada
Jayman Built MS Walk in Medicine Hat on Sunday
May 29, 2026
What's On
Medicine Hat's Spectrum Festival back in Kin Coulee Park this weekend
May 28, 2026