Key Takeaways
- Canada’s Para hockey team is looking to win its first Olympic gold medal in 20 years at the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics.
- Veteran forward Greg Westlake is headed to his sixth Paralympic Games after coming out of retirement.
- The team has a mix of experienced players, including Adam Dixon and Tyler McGregor, and newcomers like Vincent Boily and Micah Kovacevich.
- Canada will face off against Slovakia, Japan, and Czechia in the preliminary rounds, with the top two teams in each pool advancing to the semifinals.
- The team is focused on building a strong foundation and overcoming adversity to achieve their goal of winning a gold medal.
Introduction to the Team
The Canadian Para hockey team is gearing up for the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, with a strong roster of 17 players announced by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The team is led by veteran forward Greg Westlake, who is heading to his sixth Paralympic Games after coming out of retirement. Westlake is the only player on the roster who was also part of the Canadian team that won gold at the 2006 Turin Paralympics. The 39-year-old Westlake is excited to be back on the ice and is looking forward to celebrating this special moment with his teammates.
Experienced Players
The team has a mix of experienced players, including Adam Dixon, who will be competing in his fifth Paralympics, and captain Tyler McGregor, who will be playing in his fourth. Defencemen Rob Armstrong, Tyrone Henry, and Corbin Watson will also be heading to their third Paralympics. These players bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, which will be invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the Paralympic Games. Forward Liam Hickey will also be at his fourth Games, but third as a para ice hockey player after competing in the 2016 Rio Games in wheelchair basketball.
Newcomers to the Team
In addition to the experienced players, the team also has several newcomers, including forwards Vincent Boily and Micah Kovacevich, and defencemen Shawn Burnett, Auren Halbert, and Mathieu Lelièvre. These players will be making their Paralympic debuts and will be looking to make a strong impression. The team’s roster is rounded out by goaltenders Adam Kingsmill and Corbin Watson, as well as forwards Dominic Cozzolino, James Dunn, Anton Jacobs-Webb, and Zach Lavin.
Challenges Ahead
The Canadian team will face stiff competition at the Paralympics, with the United States having won four straight gold medals since Turin. Canada has claimed silver in 2022 and 2018 and bronze in 2014, but will be looking to break through and win gold this time around. The team will need to be ready to face adversity and overcome challenges in order to achieve their goal. As captain Tyler McGregor noted, "We’ve got to be ready for whatever the moment demands of us and we know that’s going to be challenging."
Preparation and Confidence
The team has been preparing for the Paralympics with a series of training camps and tournaments, including a joint camp with the NHL players and the top women’s players in the country. This camp had a profound effect on the Para players, who felt recognized and respected as high-performance athletes. Westlake noted that the camp was "a little bit of validation" and gave the team a lot of confidence. The team is feeling optimistic about their chances and is focused on building a strong foundation and working together to achieve their goal.
Road to the Medal Games
Canada will play its first game of the 2026 Paralympics on March 7 against Slovakia, followed by Japan on March 9 and Czechia on March 10. The top two teams in each pool will advance to the semifinals, with the medal games taking place on March 15. The team is focused on taking it one game at a time and is looking to build momentum as the tournament progresses. With their experienced players and strong team dynamic, Canada is looking to make a deep run in the tournament and bring home a gold medal.
Conclusion
The Canadian Para hockey team is looking to make a strong statement at the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics, with a talented roster and a focus on teamwork and dedication. With their experienced players and newcomers working together, the team is confident that they can overcome any challenges and achieve their goal of winning a gold medal. As Westlake noted, "It’s a celebration for all these guys on the team… We spend so much time on the road, we spend so much time working and trying to live the right way and do all the right things and leave no stone unturned, just to give ourselves a little chance at a gold medal."
