Para sport Notebook: Canada concludes Para alpine world championships with three medals

MARIBOR, Slovenia – Kalle Ericsson and his guide Sierra Smith earned a second silver medal on Monday at the Para alpine skiing world championships.

Canada ends the shortened worlds with three silver medals.

“It feels really good,’’ said Ericsson, from Kimberley, B.C., also second in the giant slalom on Sunday, with Smith, from Ottawa. ‘’I’m super pumped for the results. We stuck to a good plan, trusted our skiing and were able to nail a good run out.’’

On Sunday, Alexis Guimond of Gatineau, Que., also won silver in the men’s standing GS.

The speed events scheduled for earlier last week were cancelled due to poor conditions.

Tuesday’s women’s standing slalom concluded the championships.

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Danielle Ellis ends 12-year career with women’s sitting volleyball team

After 12 years of donning the maple leaf for the Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team, three-time Paralympian Danielle Ellis announced her retirement from Team Canada.

The team captain’s final appearance resulted in Canada’s first-ever Paralympic podium finish, winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I just remember the whistle being late, feeling stunned and then all of a sudden we were all rushing into the middle of the court and into a giant group hug,” said Ellis, 33, from White Rock, B.C., who lost her right leg below the knee due to cancer shortly after birth.

“I have never felt so excited but calm and at peace and in love with the sport and my teammates as I did at that moment. I know that this moment came from so many years of hard work and determination and dedication from so many people.”

Full tribute from Volleyball Canada

Trevor Hirschfield Canada’s wheelchair rugby team’s new head coach

With a remarkable history in the sport as both an athlete and a leader, Trevor Hirschfield of Parksville, B.C., was named head coach of Canada’s wheelchair rugby team late Friday afternoon.

A five-time Paralympian and former co-captain of Team Canada, Hirschfield is widely regarded as one of the best low-point players in the world.

The 41-year-old career highlights include numerous podium finishes, including bronze at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, silver in 2012 and gold at the 2015 Toronto Parapan American Games.

Off the court, he is known for his exceptional leadership and his continued commitment to the growth of wheelchair rugby in Canada.

“Trevor has been a cornerstone of our program for many years, and we are confident that his vision and experience will help elevate our national team,’’ said Paul Hunter, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Canada.

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