The Central Huron Community Complex is set to host an exciting showdown on the ice this weekend as the London Blizzard take on the Windsor Ice Bullets in a Sledge Hockey game.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 26 at 1:00 p.m., the game aims to raise awareness about the sport of Sledge Hockey while raising funds for new equipment that will make the sport more accessible in Midwestern Ontario.
Sledge Hockey, an inclusive sport played by both able-bodied athletes and those with lower-body disabilities, has gained popularity for its thrilling gameplay and its ability to bring diverse communities together. Central Huron Deputy Mayor Marg Anderson and local resident Darlene Hymers both believe the event will be a turning point for the sport in the area.
In an interview with CKNXNewsToday.ca, Deputy Mayor Anderson emphasized the importance of making Sledge Hockey available in Clinton.
"It’s about giving local people an option to play. Just because someone might have mobility challenges doesn’t mean they should miss out on the chance to enjoy ice hockey. This game will help raise awareness and show that Sledge Hockey is available and can be enjoyed by everyone," Anderson said.
For the Hymers family, this event is personal. Darlene’s son Carson, who was diagnosed with Ataxia six years ago, struggled to maintain his involvement in sports as his balance deteriorated. However, Darlene says that changed after the family discovered Sledge Hockey.
"We attended a game between Team Canada and Team USA last year, and we were blown away by the intensity," she said. "We found out about local teams, and Carson joined the London Blizzard. He met James Dunn, the assistant captain of Team Canada, who has mentored him."
Carson’s experience with Sledge Hockey has been transformative, and the Hymers family has been working to promote the sport in their community. According to Darlene, hosting this game in Clinton is a major step in that effort.
"The managers of the Blizzard asked if we’d be interested in hosting a game in our home community, and we were excited to bring it here. This is about giving more people the opportunity to experience this incredible sport," she said.
Proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing specialized sleds and other Sledge Hockey equipment for the Central Huron Community Complex. Anderson points out that this will enable local residents to participate in future programs and try the sport themselves.
"This game is a chance to bring awareness not just to Clinton, but all of Huron County," Anderson said. "It’s fast, physical, and thrilling to watch, and we want more people to know it’s out there and available for them to try."