Para ice hockey not limited to those with disablities

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 9, 2022.

Herald photo by Ry Clarke Participants line up to start drills, working on speed and momentum as they go from one end of the ice to the other Thursday at Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre

Lethbridge Community Therapeutic Recreation hosted a free Try-it-Day event on Thursday afternoon for the public to come out to Nicholas Sheran Ice Centre and experience para ice hockey.

Strapping on the sled, skaters got to experience hockey in a new way. The event was organized in partnership with the Lethbridge Sport Council.

Para ice hockey is like traditional hockey but with a few sport-specific modifications. Players sit on a modified sled with two regular-sized hockey skate blades on the bottom, allowing for pucks to pass underneath, and players use two sticks which have metal picks on the end which are used to propel the player on the ice. Individuals with physical impairment in the lower part of the body can still enjoy the game of hockey thanks to these modifications for on-ice play.

“We are looking at providing the opportunity for para ice hockey to individuals living in Lethbridge and area,” said Shana Wandler, clinical lead with Therapeutic Recreation and Alberta Health Services. “This is the first trial that we are having this year. We were at the Enmax Center for the Mayor’s Hockey Challenge, in which we did try para ice hockey during the first intermission.”

With an upper body workout, para hockey resembles something similar to double poling in cross-country skiing. With players having to focus on stick handling, propelling motion, and staying balanced, the challenge can be hard for veteran skaters.

“It comes with its own set of skills and mobility,” said Wandler. “It does vary from what regular traditional skating would look like. The opportunity for para ice hockey is for any individual. Whether it’s a lower body impairment, or individuals who are able-bodied. The sport is really open to anyone who has an interest in playing at any caliber of competition.”

Working with those in need, therapeutic recreation helps unlock more options.

“For us in therapeutic recreation, we look at supporting individuals with chronic conditions or diagnoses or disabilities. Looking at how can we help them to enjoy life and engage in meaningful activity that is providing purpose as well as a sense of increased quality of life and well being,” said Wandler. “Whether it’s navigating the social components of well being, physical, spiritual, or emotional, when we think what para ice hockey can be… all of those things can be social, can be physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is about finding something you enjoy doing… that is what we want to provide to those in our community.”

Bringing opportunities to get out and have fun, para ice hockey will be back at the arena Dec. 19 from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. for those looking to hit the ice and give it a try.

“It’s free of charge, no experience or equipment is required (bring gloves). We welcome anyone who is interested to reach out,” said Wandler, who can be reached at 403-382-0380.