Dominic
Cozzolino

A notable absentee from the Para ice hockey team at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing was scoring forward Dominic Cozzolino.

A member of the 2017 world champion squad, he helped Canada to silver medals at the next two worlds in 2019 and 2021 as well as second place at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

But for the 2021-22 season, Cozzolino needed a mental and physical break from the game. Now he has returned better than ever to help Canada chase gold at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

In 2024, he starred in Canada’s gold medal performance at the world championships in Calgary, a first title in seven years for the national team. He was named the tournament’s top forward  finishing third in scoring with 17 points in five games.  He scored Canada’s opening goal in the 2-1 victory over the U.S. in the championship game.

At the 2023 worlds, Cozzolino was the top Canadian scorer and fourth overall in a silver medal showing for the squad.

Cozzolino was checked from behind during a minor hockey game in 2009 which caused a compression fracture to his spinal cord. He is still able to walk and started playing Para ice hockey, then known as sledge hockey, in 2012 with the Mississauga Cruisers.

For Cozzolino it is important to give back as well. He is involved with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, as well as TELUS End Bullying and is an ambassador at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

In 2025, he began an internship in partnerships with the Canadian Paralympic Committee.  He is also a chairperson on the World Para Ice Hockey sport committee.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Gold medallist 2024 World Championships… Silver medallist at 2018  at Paralympic Winter Games… Gold medallist at the 2017 IPC World Para Hockey Championship … Silver medallist at 2019, 2023 world championships

PERSONAL

Was checked from behind during a minor hockey game in 2009 which caused a compression fracture to his L1 and Le vertebrae… Started playing sledge hockey in 2012 with the Mississauga Cruisers… Ambassador at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

• 2024 World Championships – 1st
• 2023 World Championships – 2nd
• 2022 Paralympic Winter Hames – 2nd
• 2019 World Championships – 2nd
• 2018 Paralympic Winter Games – 2nd
• 2017 IPC World Championships – 1st