Some of the world's best sledge hockey players will showcase their talents in London later this year.
Hockey Canada announced Monday that London will host what is now known at the Candian Tire Para Hockey Cup. The tournament, which was formerly known as the World Sledge Hockey Challenge, will be held at the Western Fair Sports Centre December 1-8.
“We are so pleased to host yet another Hockey Canada event with the Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup,” said Mayor Matt Brown in a news release issued Monday. “We are a sports city through and through, and this once again proves that. I am very much looking forward to this event. I know our community will support it in so many ways.”
The tournament will see Canada’s National Para Hockey team face off against three top para hockey nations.
Among the players suiting up for Canada will be 17-year-old James Dunn. The Paralympic silver-medallist had two goals and five assists over five games at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang last March.
“Playing on home ice is always exciting, but to know we’ll be here in London, so close to my hometown of Wallacetown, is very special,” said Dunn. “This event is one of the most prestigious on the international para hockey calendar, and to have such a great partner as Canadian Tire on board will continue to elevate the event for our team, and for the other nations invited to take part. My teammates and I are looking forward to having London and area hockey fans come out to cheer us on this December.”
Monday's announcement came on the first day of the two-day Hockey Canada Foundation Gala and Golf event.
The event has raised about $4-million since 2009 to help grow the game of hockey across Canada. Half of the proceeds stay in the host community.