Canada’s nationwide para hockey group is back on the ice on P.E.I. for the very first time in 7 years, which’s uplifting information for staff member with a link to the island.
Liam Hickey, the group’s aide captain, is from Newfoundland and Labrador, yet utilized to have fun with the PEI Mustangs mobility device basketball group.
He stated it’s unique to be playing close sufficient to home that his loved ones can come see him play.
“Anytime I get a chance to have them in the stands definitely [has] a special meaning,” he stated.
The 2024 Para Cup began Sunday in Charlottetown, and runs till Dec.14. Teams from Canada, China, the Czech Republic and the United States will certainly contend for the gold medal. This is the 5th time the city has actually organized the sledge hockey event.
Hickey stated it’s an interesting possibility to represent his district and Canada, yet likewise for him and his colleagues to display the sporting activity.
The United States beat China 10-1 in the initial video game of the 2024 Para Cup onSunday (Connor Lamont/ CBC)
“Anytime we get to really perform with the other top three teams in the world is the best opportunity we have to put the sport on display, so I think that’s one of the biggest things we look forward to as a group,” he stated.
“Obviously our main focus is to get the gold medal here, but I think that’s a big part that comes along with it and ownership that we take as members of the sport.”
We constantly seem like we’re returning to a family members below in such a way.
– Liam Hickey, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team assistant captain
Grant Boswall, that stays in Charlottetown and is just one of the tools supervisors for Team Canada, stated it’s “pretty spectacular” to be with the group in his home district.
“It’s really neat to participate with Hockey Canada any time, but it’s kind of a little bit surreal coming back to your home province and living five minutes down the road from the rink that they’re actually playing in,” he stated.
“So it’s definitely a different feel than being in the Czech Republic or China or wherever.”
Strong Charlottetown follower base
Hickey stated there’s a solid follower base in Charlottetown and Team Canada enjoys to play there.
“We always feel like we’re coming back to a family here in a way,” he stated.
Canada, China, the Czech Republic and the United States are all playing in the 2024 Para Cup inCharlottetown (Connor Lamont/ CBC)
Hickey stated he was really feeling fired up heading right into Canada’s initial video game, and Boswall stated the gamers are “ready to go.”
“[These are] the top four teams in the world right now,” Hickey stated. “So I mean, this is the best opportunity to come out and really see what para hockey is all about.”
