Canadian players and coaches help develop Para ice hockey around the world

OTTAWA – When Tyler McGregor first travelled to Mexico a year ago, finding enough athletes to fill even a dozen Para ice hockey sleds was a challenge.

Twelve months later, the captain of Canada’s national Para hockey team returned to Mexico City and saw a sport beginning to take root.

McGregor, a four-time Paralympian, was among a group of six Canadian athletes and coaches who attended the first official World Para Ice Hockey skills development camp in Mexico held May 21-25.  More than 20 Mexican athletes and more from other nations joined mentors from Canada and the U.S.

‘’What stood out for me the most was just the growth and progression,’’ McGregor told CPC at the Team Canada Celebration in Ottawa in May, just a few days after the camp. ‘’The interest that’s been shown by local athletes in Mexico to try Para hockey and really establish a program was incredible.’’

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McGregor previously helped deliver sleds to Mexico as part of efforts to introduce the sport. During the recent camp, he witnessed rapid improvement among participants over four ice sessions.

Among the attendees were four Brazilian athletes from that country’s wheelchair curling program who travelled north to try Para ice hockey for the first time.

‘’There were a lot of players with a lot of potential,’’ McGregor said.

For the Mexicans it was an unforgettable experience.

‘’It was so much more than just training,’’ said Mexican participant Eli Momesso on her Instagram account. ‘’There were days of intense learning, exchanging experiences, facing new challenges, discovering different cultures, and meeting incredible people who have now become part of my story.

“Between the track, classes, translated conversations, and laughter, I built connections that I will carry with me far beyond this camp.’’

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Canada’s role, McGregor added, is less about competition and more about mentorship.

‘’There isn’t a lot of opportunities like we have in Canada,’’ said McGregor. ‘’I heard so many stories of local Mexican athletes that never had any access to sport and were so excited to be able to try Para ice hockey for the first time.

‘’It’s a great way to grow our sport globally. Hopefully Canada can play a role in that.’’

Joining McGregor were his national team teammates Adam Dixon and James Dunn, along with women’s national Para ice hockey team head coach Tara Chisholm and players Alanna Mah and Maggie Manning.

‘’I had a blast taking to the ice with athletes from Mexico and Brazil,’’ said Mah. ‘’It was an honour and pleasure to take part in this camp and continue to grow the game.’’

For McGregor, his ice weekend in Mexico reinforced a lesson he has learned throughout his career.

“Sport can really break down those barriers and connect you, no matter who you are or where you come from.”