Para sport notebook: Paralympians shine on and off playing field

OTTAWA – Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador announced the appointment of Para ice hockey star Liam Hickey as an incoming Board Director, and Programs Advisory Committee Member.

Hickey is regarded as one of the best players in the world and has competed at the last three Paralympic Winter Games and was also a member of the 2016 Paralympic Games wheelchair basketball squad.

The 26-year-old’s connection to Easter Seals NL stems from his love of sport. The St, John’s N.L. native began his journey as a participant in the wheelchair basketball and Para ice hockey programs.

“His expertise and deep understanding of our vision and mission will be invaluable as we continue to develop and enhance programs that support our community’s needs,” said Mark Bradbury, CEO of Easter Seals NL.

British Paralympic athlete in line to become first astronaut with a disability in space

John McFall, a Paralympic medallist from Great Britain, has officially completed training with the European Space Agency and could become the first astronaut with a disability to visit the International Space Station.

McFall, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19, won the bronze medal in the men’s T42 100m sprint at the 2008 Paralympic Games.

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Fournie, Henry named top male athletes in their respective hometowns

Wheelchair racer Cody Fournie, a double gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, was voted top male athlete at the Victoria Sport Awards.

Para ice hockey player Tyrone Henry won the same prize at the Ottawa Sport Awards for the second time in three years.

Fournie won the gold medal in the T51 100-metres and 200-metres in Paris. At the world championships in May he was a silver medallist in the 100m.

Henry reached two important milestones in his Team Canada career at the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships. The 31-year-old defenceman not only played in his 100th international game, he won his second world title as Canada went undefeated and upset the three-time defending champions United States 2-1 in the gold medal game.

Adam Dixon reaches milestone at Reeve Hockey Classic

Three-time Paralympian Adam Dixon of Midland, Ont. scored the 100th goal of his international career last Thursday at the Reeve Hockey Classic in Boston.

He became the fifth player to reach the century mark with the National Para Hockey Team.

“I’ve been at this a long time and when you do something long enough you are bound to get some breaks here and there,’’ said the modest Dixon, 35. ‘’It’s an honour to reach 100 goals and to do it with this team behind me.”

Canada lost both matches to its arch rival USA 4-3 and 6-2 which was held in conjunction with the NHL’s Four Nations Face-Off tournament and also raised funds for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.