Affiliate Sites expand
Hockey Canada logo

Living his dream (Version 2)

Cancer derailed a potential OHL career, but Tyler McGregor has still found a way to make his mark on the hockey world

David Brien
|
March 14, 2014

Although he may not be a household name to many Canadians (yet), the hockey exploits of Canada’s National Sledge Team forward Tyler McGregor are definitely well-known in and around his hometown of Forest, Ont.

But McGregor’s story isn’t just about hockey. To everyone who has ever met the 20-year-old, he is a leader, a fighter, an inspirational figure, a symbol of courage and, most of all, a friend.

Growing up in Forest, McGregor’s childhood revolved around, what else – hockey.

“I started playing hockey at three years old,” he says. “My parents put me on skates and from there I just fell in love with the game.”

The older McGregor got, the better he got. In his Major Atom season, he befriended twin brothers from nearby Grand Bend, Ont. – Matt and Ryan Rupert, currently starring for the OHL’s London Knights.

“He’s a great person and a great friend,” Matt Rupert says of McGregor. “Growing up, Tyler, Ryan and me would always watch hockey games together, usually the Sarnia Sting. We used to dream of one day making it to the OHL together.”

While the dream has come true for the Ruperts, it ended for McGregor in January 2010, when one misfortune after another derailed a promising hockey career.

“It sort of progressed in small steps,” McGregor says. “At first I broke my leg and thought my season was over. Then I was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks later and I thought I’d be out of hockey for a year or two. And then a week later I was given the news that I was going to lose my leg. I thought I would never play hockey again.

“It broke my heart because I was at an age where I was doing really well and I was excited to see where my career in hockey would take me.”

As far as the Ruperts are concerned, they know where hockey would have taken McGregor – right beside them in an OHL line-up.

“I know that our Minor Midget year, his goal was to obviously get [to the OHL] and I know he would’ve been drafted pretty high,” says Ryan Rupert. “Unfortunately, it was pretty difficult because we know what happened. But he would’ve been in the OHL, no question.

“He was an offensive guy who could score goals. And in defensive situations he was an obvious choice with a minute left; he would block shots and make plays. He was one of those key guys that coaches loved on their team and he would do whatever they wanted.”

His life may have changed, but McGregor was still a Canadian teenager, and like so many others his age, it wasn’t long until his life once again revolved around hockey.

Just over a year after losing his leg, McGregor strapped into a sled and played sledge hockey for the first time, although he wasn’t sure about giving the sport a try.

“At the time I had no idea what sledge hockey was all about, but other people had mentioned it to me. At first I was hesitant to try it out but I eventually did and it continued to grow on me as I started to play.

“It was kind of a second chance for me to live my dream. When I found out that hockey was a Paralympic sport and that I could still play for Team Canada, that was a huge motivation for me and I immediately made it my goal to make the team.”

McGregor started out with the London Blizzard, the local sledge hockey club team, but the team practiced just once a week, and he knew he needed to be on the ice every opportunity he could get.

Whether it was public skating or free ice in his hometown, McGregor tried to get his sled out on the ice as much as possible.

“It was tough for me to progress because I could not practice four or five times a week,” he says. “I would sit in my basement, sit in my sled and handle a puck and just practice. I would work on little skills and I think that’s one of the reasons I progressed so fast.”

Less than a year after his first sledge hockey experience, McGregor earned a spot on Canada’s National Sledge Development Team, playing in a pair of three-game series against the United States in January and April 2012, and he made Canada’s National Sledge Team on his first try that fall.

McGregor’s fast-track through the sledge hockey ranks came as no surprise to those that knew him well.

“He’s such a strong-hearted person,” Matt Rupert says. “Our first year in AAA we didn’t really know what to expect but he not only had the drive to make it on the team as a rookie, he was also named captain of our team.”

“Tyler doesn’t seem like a loud talkative guy but behind the scenes he’s rowdy,” adds Ryan Rupert. “He likes to get everybody going. If somebody was going downhill he would bring them up and tell them they were doing well. He’s a great person to be around.”

Although McGregor wants to be treated like any other 20-year-old, he is well aware he is a source of inspiration to other young cancer survivors. His courage and fearlessness when facing adversity have not only motivated friends like the Ruperts, but anyone who knows his story.

“I tell people to never give up and to always follow their dreams,” McGregor says. “I never gave up. I did whatever I needed to do to achieve them. Now I’m living my dream and representing my country.” 

National Para Hockey Team roster named for series against United States

21 players to represent Canada in three games against cross-border rival in Ontario

NR.011.25
|
March 18, 2025

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the roster for Canada’s National Para Hockey Team for a three-game series against the United States from March 26-29 at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario.

Three goaltenders, seven defence and 11 forwards – including 16 members of the team that won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary - were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) and assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON).

“Any time you can put on the Maple Leaf and compete with the United States, you know there will be a high level of competition,” said Herrington. “As we continue to prepare for the upcoming world championship in Buffalo, we want to push ourselves and continue to get better every day. The work started in February in Boston with two intense games, and I expect more of the same this week. We are also excited to have Women’s Para Hockey of Canada join us as well as the United States’ Women’s Development Sled Hockey Team. This is a great opportunity for us to collaborate and continue to showcase the sport.”

The staff that will work with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team during the series includes:

  • Video coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB)
  • Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
  • Athletic therapist Tracy Meloche (Essex, ON)
  • Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE), AJ Murley (St. John’s, NL) and Matina Landstad (West Vancouver, BC/University of Waterloo, OUA)
  • Hockey operations manager Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON)
  • Hockey operations coordinator Jacob Grison (Lion’s Head, ON)
  • Media relations coordinator Branden Crowe (Virden, MB)

The cross-border series will also include participation from Women’s Para Hockey of Canada, marking the second time the two programs will combine efforts at an event. The schedule includes practices as well as three games against its counterparts from the United States on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET, Friday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and Saturday, March 29 at 12 p.m. ET.

“With the announcement of the inaugural women's world championship in August 2025, we are thrilled to hit the ice and compete,” said Tara Chisholm, head coach of Canada’s national women’s para hockey team. “This series in Thorold will be a fantastic way to kick off our competitive season on the road to worlds. Events like this help raise the profile of women’s para hockey and provide athletes with valuable high-level competition. As the sport continues to grow, we are excited to strengthen our collaboration with Hockey Canada and USA Hockey to create more opportunities for women to showcase their skills.”

Canada’s roster for the women’s series includes three goaltenders, five defence and nine forwards – representing athletes from six provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec).

All six games will be broadcast live for free HERE .

World Para Ice Hockey will make history this year when Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, hosts the first-ever women’s world championship from Aug. 26-31. The tournament will feature Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Norway, the United States and Team World.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok .

About Women’s Para Hockey of Canada (WPHC)

WPHC is a national organization dedicated to promoting and developing para ice hockey opportunities for girls and women+ with disabilities across Canada. With a mission to foster inclusivity, empowerment and excellence in the sport, WPHC provides resources, support and opportunities for girls and women+ of all ages and abilities to engage in the sport, whether at the recreational or competitive level. Through player development, competition, community outreach and advocacy, the organization’s athletes, staff and volunteers are committed to advancing para ice hockey for girls and women+ while challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers in para hockey.

View More

Dawson Creek to host 2025 Para Cup

International para hockey showcase returns to British Columbia for first time since 2007

NR.010.25
|
March 04, 2025

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Dawson Creek, B.C., will host the 2025 Para Cup, Nov. 30-Dec. 6 at the Ovintiv Events Centre.

The Para Cup, the final international competition prior to the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, returns to the West Coast for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2007, when Canada won the gold medal in Kelowna at what was then known as the World Sledge Hockey Challenge.

The northern British Columbia community has previously hosted the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge twice (2015, 2017), the 2019 World Junior A Challenge and the National Women’s Under-18 Championship twice (2012, 2023).

“Dawson Creek is thrilled to welcome the world to Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway and host the 2025 Para Cup, a first for our city and the Peace Region,” said Mayor Darcy Dober. “This event is not only a key part of our tourism strategy but also highlights the strong partnerships we've built hosting international events. We’re proud to showcase our world-class facilities, incredible volunteers and passionate fans as we host the world’s best para athletes, bringing positive social, economic and community impacts to Dawson Creek and Northeastern B.C.”

The full tournament schedule will be announced at a later date.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2007, Canada has won five gold medals (2007, 2008, April 2011, November 2011, 2013), 10 silver medals (2009, 2012, January 2016, November 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024) and one bronze medal (2015).

“This tournament is a crucial part of our evaluation process as we continue to shape our Paralympic roster for 2026 in Italy,” said Russ Herrington, head coach of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team. “After a number of years competing for gold on the East Coast, we’re excited to come to B.C. and showcase the sport to the great hockey fans in the west.”

Early-bird ticket packages are on sale now. Click HERE for more information. Fans can also sign up to receive single-game ticket information or become a Hockey Canada Insider.

For more information on the Para Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on FacebookXInstagram and TikTok.

View More

NHL, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada to Host Reeve Hockey Classic

Para Hockey Showcase to support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

NHL Communications
|
NR.008.25
|
February 05, 2025

NEW YORK, NY – The NHL, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada announced today the first-ever Reeve Hockey Classic sled hockey game, a matchup featuring the world’s best men’s para hockey athletes who represent Team USA and Team Canada on the international stage. The international rivals will face off at the Kasabuski Rink in Boston to support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Team practices and the game are open to the public but capacity is limited. Fans can also watch the livestream of the game at USAHockeyTV.com .

On the international stage, both teams boast a competitive roster with an impressive medal count. Team USA’s roster has a total of 28 Paralympic gold medals and 46 World Championship gold medals. The squad is captained by veteran Josh Pauls and includes three U.S. military veterans, two of whom are Purple Heart recipients. On Team Canada, the roster’s Paralympic medal count totals 17 silver medals and three bronze medals, with an additional 28 gold medals, 34 silver medals, and four bronze medals won at World Championships. Canadian team captain Tyler McGregor has been leading his team for six seasons. The international rivals will meet in Boston as part of their training camp as they continue to prepare for international competitions.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a partner of the NHL Foundation U.S., is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. An actor, activist, hockey fan, and goalie, Christopher Reeve became paralyzed due to a severe spinal cord injury. He and his wife Dana were unrelenting in their drive to pursue the best research, and support, for patients and families living with paralysis. The Reeve Foundation's vision is a world where spinal cord injury doesn’t result in paralysis, and paralysis does not result in diminished quality of life: Today’s Care, Tomorrow’s Cure. The Reeve Hockey Classic will support funding cures for paralysis. To date, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has provided 22 grants to assist sled hockey programs.

To celebrate the first-ever Reeve Hockey Classic, the NHL, NHLPA and Boston Bruins are hosting a ‘Try Sled Hockey for Free’ event on Feb. 18, giving girls and boys ages 4-17, of all abilities, an opportunity to try sled hockey at the Kasabuski Rink. The event is open to all and hopes to inspire kids looking for a new para sport to play. Equipment, coaching, and support will be provided by Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers and Northeast Passage Sled Hockey. Players interested in trying sled hockey are encouraged to register here.

Schedule

All events are located at the Kasabuski Rink (201 Forest St, Saugus, MA 01906) and are open to the media and the public. Capacity is limited.

Tuesday, Feb. 18

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic: Team USA Sled Hockey Practice

10:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic: Team Canada Sled Hockey Practice

12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – ‘Try Sled Hockey for Free’ Event

Wednesday, Feb. 19

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Stanley Cup appearance and photo opportunity

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Reeve Hockey Classic

The Reeve Hockey Classic is part of a longstanding commitment to support adaptive hockey in all forms by the NHL, NHLPA and 32 Clubs. The League has been a longtime presenting partner of the USA Hockey Sled Classic.

Most recently, the NHL announced a partnership with Warrior 4 Life Fund , financial support for three adaptive hockey programs with the New York Islanders, and growing sled and special hockey with the Carolina Hurricanes. Additionally, the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund has aided Learn to Play sled hockey programs in NHL markets, including Tampa Bay and Calgary.


View More

Canada gets silver at 2024 Para Cup

Canadians fall 4-1 to United States in gold medal game

NR.094.24
|
December 15, 2024

CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island – Canada’s National Para Hockey Team has earned the silver medal at the 2024 Para Cup, coming up short against the United States 4-1 in the gold medal game on Saturday night in Charlottetown.

Tyler McGregor (Forest, ON) scored the lone Canadian goal, tying the game 10:15 into the first period; it would be the last goal until the Americans broke open the game early in the third. Corbin Watson (Kingsville, ON) turned in a stellar performance in the Canadian goal, making 17 saves as the U.S. outshot Canada 21-12.

“Our team did great being ourselves. I loved this tournament; we got to demonstrate the depth of all three of our forward lines,” Adam Dixon (Midland, ON) said. “We just have to keep doing our job, keep doing what we are supposed to do every day when we are away from the rink and at home and we will see improvement in our next competition.”

Declan Farmer had a goal and two assists for the Americans, tying Canadians Greg Westlake (2011) and Brad Bowden (2011) for the single-tournament record with 18 points and setting a new single-tournament record with 11 goals.

Canada defeated Czechia and China before falling to the United States in the preliminary-round finale, and punched its ticket to the gold medal game by defeating Czechia 3-1 in the semifinals. McGregor finished the tournament as the leading Canadian scorer with nine points, recording seven goals and two assists in five games.

“We, for the most part, played to our identity. I really thought our forecheck was good tonight, we generated some chances and some offensive zone time. At the end, they were able to outperform us in the third period,” head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) said. “I really liked the growth of our younger players in particular. For most of the games and tonight included, all the players we dress are finding ways to contribute whether that is on the scoresheet or getting out and changing momentum.”

China defeats Czechia to win first-ever bronze medal

Earlier in the day, China captured its first-ever medal at the Para Cup, shutting out Czechia 4-0 in the bronze medal game. Yifeng Shen led the way for China with two goals, while Yanzhao Ji made 12 saves for the shutout.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on FacebookX and Instagram, and by using #ParaCup.

View More

National Para Hockey Team roster announced for 2024 Para Cup

Eighteen players to wear the Maple Leaf in Charlottetown

NR.083.24
|
November 29, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the 18 players who will be a part of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team at the 2024 Para Cup, Dec. 8-14 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Three goaltenders, five defence and 10 forwards were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON/York University, OUA) and Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations. Assistant coaches Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB), Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON) also provided input.

“The Para Cup is an exciting event as we showcase our game to Canadians across the country, and we are thrilled to bring the tournament back to Charlottetown this year,” Herrington said. “We are anticipating strong competition from China, Czechia and the United States, but we have prepared a competitive group set to represent Canada next month.”

The roster features 16 players who won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary (Armstrong, Boily, Burnett, Cozzolino, Dixon, Dunn, Halbert, Henry, Hickey, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Kovacevich, Lavin, Lelièvre, McGregor, Watson).

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team selected its roster from the 32 players who participated in evaluation camp, Sept. 27–Oct. 2 in Elmira, Ontario.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the medal games on Saturday, Dec. 14; please check local listings for details. All preliminary-round games and both semifinals will be livestreamed at HNLive.ca.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

View More

Canada earns silver medal at 2024 International Para Hockey Cup

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team falls 5-3 to the United States in the gold medal game

NR.070.24
|
October 13, 2024

OSTRAVA, Czechia – Canada’s National Para Hockey Team earned a silver medal for the third consecutive year at the 2024 International Para Hockey Cup, falling 5-3 to the United States in the gold medal game on Sunday at Ostravar Arena.

Auren Halbert (Calgary, AB), Dominic Cozzolino (Mississauga, ON) and James Dunn (Wallacetown, ON) scored for Canada in Sunday’s rematch of the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championship gold medal game.

The United States responded quickly after each Canadian goal, getting a pair of power play markers from Declan Farmer (Clearwater, FL), helping the U.S. finish the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record, including a pair of wins over Canada.

“We have an understanding of what our identity is as a team and how we need to play night in and night out. I think today and yesterday we lived up to that and it gave us a chance to win,” said head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON/York University, OUA). “It’s difficult to win at this level and games often come down to little moments, and tonight the United States executed better in those moments than we did.”

Canada finished the preliminary round with a 2-1 record, defeating Italy in its first game of the tournament, dropping its second game to the United States before wrapping up the preliminary round with a victory over Czechia. Canada earned its spot in the gold medal game with a 1-0 overtime win over Czechia in the semifinals on Saturday.

Adam Kingsmill (Smithers, BC) was strong in net for the Canadians with 22 saves, while Dunn’sperformance, including a third-periodgoal, earned him Canada’s player of the game honours.

“We saw tremendous growth this week, especially from our younger players. A lot of guys got to play heavier minutes than they are used to. Guys like Vincent Boily (Alma, QC) and Shawn Burnett (McMasterville, QC) showed the amount of hard work they put in this summer,” added Herrington . “You’re always worried after winning a big tournament like Para Worlds that there may be some complacency, but a lot of our players came back in better shape than they’ve ever been in. I thought this was a very positive two-weeks together.”

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will now focus on the 2024 Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 8-14 in Charlottetown, PE. Full-event ticket packages are on sale now .

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok.

View More

National Para Hockey Team roster named for 2024 International Para Hockey Cup

Defending world champions open 2024-25 season in Czechia

NR.067.24
|
October 03, 2024

ELMIRA, Ontario Hockey Canada has unveiled the 18 players who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team at the International Para Hockey (IPH) Cup, Oct. 7-13 in Ostrava, Czechia.

Three goaltenders, five defencemen and 10 forwards were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON/York University, OUA) and Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations. Assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON) , Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON) also provided input.

“We are excited to begin our 2024-25 season overseas,” said Herrington. “We want to carry the momentum from our Para Worlds success and continue to develop and grow as a group. We had a competitive evaluation camp and are excited to face three strong teams in Czechia.”

The roster features 14 players who won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary (Armstrong, Boily, Burnett, Cozzolino, Dixon, Dunn, Halbert, Henry, Jacobs-Webb, Kingsmill, Kovacevich, Lelièvre, McGregor, Watson) .

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team selected its roster from the 32 players who participated in evaluation camp, Sept. 27–Oct. 3 at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira, Ontario.

Canada opens its schedule at the IPH Cup against Italy at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT on Oct. 7. It will also face the United States (Oct. 8) in a rematch of the Para Worlds gold medal game, and the host Czechs (Oct. 10) in preliminary-round play. The semifinals are set for Oct. 12, with the medal games on Oct. 13.

Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will travel to Ostrava:

  • Video coach Steve Arsenault (Spruce Grove, AB)
  • Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE) and Matina Landstad (West Vancouver, BC/Toronto, PWHL)
  • Physiotherapist Michael Lenart (Keswick, ON)
  • Team physician Dr. Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
  •  Hockey operations director Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON)
  • Hockey operations coordinator Miah Armitage (Creston, BC)

 

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

View More

Roster named for National Para Hockey Team evaluation camp

32 players to attend six-day camp in Elmira, Ontario

NR.064.24
|
September 26, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 32 players who will attend Canada’s National Para Hockey Team training camp, Sept. 27–Oct. 2 at the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira, Ontario.

Five goaltenders, 11 defence and 16 forwards—including 16 members of the team that won a gold medal at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship in Calgary—were selected by head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) and assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON).

“This camp is an important step in our journey as we begin to defend our world championship gold medal,” Herrington said. “We have an experienced group returning, as well as a group of promising young athletes that are looking to make an impression with our staff. This week allows everyone to begin to work together to become Team Canada.”

The evaluation camp includes practices, off-ice training and a trio of intrasquad games from Sept. 28-30, and will serve as an opportunity to evaluate and prepare for future international competitions.

Following evaluation camp, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will compete in the International Para Hockey Cup, Oct. 7-13 in Ostrava, Czechia.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

View More

Coaching staff named for Canada's National Para Hockey Team

World championship-winning staff returns for 2024-25 season

NR.062.24
|
September 17, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta Four months after guiding Canada’s National Para Hockey Team to its first gold medal in seven years at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship, Hockey Canada has announced the return of the coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.

Head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON/ York University, OUA) returns for his third season behind the bench and will be joined again by assistant coaches Mike Fountain (Gravenhurst, ON), Boris Rybalka (Vernon, BC) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON).

“We are excited to have our gold medal winning staff in place for another season,” said Adam Janssen (Richmond Hill, ON), manager of hockey operations. “Coming off a tremendously successful year, capped off with a victory at the world championship in Calgary last spring, we know having a consistent and experienced staff sets our athletes up for success heading into a new season.”

The coaching staff was selected by Janssen and Jesse Albers (Victoria, BC), vice president of operations, in consultation with Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations.

Herrington was named head coach of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team in August 2022 after parts of seven seasons as an assistant coach. Since 2015, he has won a total of 10 medals (two gold, eight silver), including gold at the World Para Hockey Championship in 2017 and 2024. He has also earned silver medals at the 2022 and 2023 Para Hockey Cup as head coach, as well as the 2023 Para Worlds. Herrington was an assistant coach at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal. He has served as the head coach of the York University men’s hockey team since 2017.

Fountain is entering his seventh year with Team Canada, spending his first five seasons as goaltending consultant, and helping the team to a silver medal at the 2022 Paralympics. As an assistant coach since 2022, Fountain has a total of five medals (one gold, four silver) in that span, including gold at the 2024 Para Worlds and silver in 2023. As a player, Fountain represented Canada twice on the international stage, including the 1992 IIHF World Junior Championship and 1992 Spengler Cup, and enjoyed a 17-year professional career that included 11 NHL games.

Rybalka returns as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team for a second season after helping it to gold at Para Worlds. The all-time leader in wins by a coach in Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) history (683), Rybalka won two gold medals (2006, 2007) and one silver (2008) as head coach of Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Coach of the Year in 2003-04, he led the Camrose Kodiaks to five AJHL championships (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008) and won the Royal Bank Cup as national Junior A champions in 2001.

Westlake enters his second season as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, having helped the team to gold at the 2024 Para Worlds. The second all-time leading scorer in Team Canada history (175-194—369 in 240 games) had a monumental playing career, winning a total of 12 medals (four gold, five silver, three bronze), including Paralympic gold in 2006. As an assistant coach, Westlake won gold at the 2024 World Para Hockey Championship and silver at the 2023 Para Hockey Cup.

Hockey Canada also announced the support staff that will work with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team throughout the 2024-25 season:

  • Assistant coach, mindset and leadership Liam Heelis (Georgetown, ON)
  • Equipment managers Grant Boswall (Cornwall, PE) and AJ Murley (St. John’s, NL)
  • Guest equipment manager Matina Landstad (West Vancouver, BC/Toronto, PWHL)
  • Athletic therapist Tracy Meloche (Essex, ON)
  • Physiotherapist Michael Lenart (Keswick, ON)
  • Medical IST lead Christine Atkins (Fort Macleod, AB)
  • Physical performance lead Bryan Yu (Edmonton, AB)
  • Team physicians Dr. Ben Cameron (Summerside, PE) and Dr. Danielle Kelton (Guelph, ON)
  • Dietician Kelly Anne Erdman (Edmonton, AB)
  • Senior Manager, Hockey Operations Benoit Roy (Sudbury, ON)
  • Hockey operations coordinator Hannah Curlock (Calgary, AB)
  • Media relations coordinator Branden Crowe (Virden, MB)

Following a September evaluation camp, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will compete in the International Para Hockey Cup, set for Oct. 7-13 in Ostrava, Czechia.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook , X and  Instagram.

View More

Schedules announced for three fall events

Tickets for U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship, Junior A World Challenge, Para Cup available now

NR.059.24
|
September 10, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the schedules and ticket package details for the 2024 editions of the U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship and Para Cup.

In addition, Hockey Canada has also announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, which is set to take place at Encana Arena in Camrose, Alberta, from Dec. 9-15, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and National Hockey League (NHL). The schedule and format for this year’s event will be announced at a later date.

“The unveiling of the schedules and ticket packages for our fall events is an exciting milestone, as the anticipation for the puck to drop continues to build while allowing fans and community members to plan their involvement in world-class events across the country,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “Hosting major events is not possible without the commitment and passion of these great communities, and we are grateful for the community leaders, volunteers, partners and our Members who make these events possible.”

The U17 World Challenge returns as a six-team format for the second-straight year, with Sarnia, Ontario, hosting at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena from Nov. 3-9. The teams — Canada Red, Canada White, Czechia, Finland, Sweden and the United States — will be split into two groups and will each play two preliminary-round games before the medal round. The event will also feature pre-tournament games in Sarnia, Petrolia and Forest on Nov. 1.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the U18 Women’s National Championship will be held in Atlantic Canada. Eight teams consisting of the top under-18 players in Canada — Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario Blue, Ontario Red, Québec and Saskatchewan —will descend on the qplex in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, from Nov. 3-9.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of ParaSport and Recreation PEI, the Para Cup returns to the East Coast for the second straight year (2023 in Quispamsis, New Brunswick), with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team looking to secure its second-straight gold medal in international competition at the Bell Aliant Centre in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Canada will compete against China, Czechia and the United States from Dec. 8-14.

Full-event ticket packages for the U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship, Para Cup and Junior A World Challenge are on sale now and can be purchased at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

Fans that purchase a full-event ticket package to any fall event before Sept. 20 will be entered into a contest to win a 2025 World Juniors prize package. The prize package includes two tickets to both semifinals and the medal games, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, as well as hotel accommodations for two nights and two $100 Hockey Canada merchandise vouchers.

Hockey Canada and the local organizing committees of its fall events are currently looking to fill several volunteer positions for all four events. Individuals that are interested in creating a world-class experience for players and fans alike are encouraged to CLICK HERE to learn more about Hockey Canada’s volunteer program or visit the individual event pages to apply now.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, will air select tournament games, with broadcast details to be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

View More

For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

Photos
Videos
2025 4NF: CAN 3 – USA 2 OT (Championship)
McDavid scored 8:18 into OT, giving Canada the 4 Nations championship.
2025 4NF: CAN 5 – FIN 3 (Preliminary)
MacKinnon scored 2G, helping Canada past the Finns and into the final.
2025 4NF: USA 3 – CAN 1 (Preliminary)
McDavid scored, but Canada was edged by the Americans in Montreal.
2025 4NF: CAN 4 – SWE 3 OT (Preliminary)
Marner scored 6:06 into OT to give Canada the opening-game victory.
2024-25 NWT: CAN 3 – USA 1 (Game 5)
Gardiner scored the GWG with 6:44 left, giving Canada the series win.
2024-25 NWT: USA 2 – CAN 1 SO (Game 4)
Turnbull tied it late, but Canada fell to the U.S. in a shootout.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 3 – USA 0 (Gold Medal)
Grenier made 14 saves to backstop Canada to its eighth U18 gold medal.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 4 – CZE 2 (Semifinal)
Zablocki and Tiller had 1G 1A apiece to send Canada to play for gold.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 17 – JPN 0 (Quarterfinal)
Zablocki and Cimoroni had 3G 2A each to help Canada into the semis.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 6 – SVK 2 (Preliminary)
Canada pulled away in the third period to earn an opening-game win.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 5 – CZE 0 (Preliminary)
Grenier made 20 saves to backstop Canada to a perfect prelims.
2025 U18WWC: CAN 5 – SUI 1 (Preliminary)
Copetti scored twice to help Canada to a victory over the Swiss.
Schedule
HC Logo
Ceske Budejovice, CZE
Date: Apr 09 to 20
HC Logo
Lloydminster, AB
Date: Apr 20 to 26
HC Logo
Fraser Valley, BC
Date: Apr 21 to 27
HC Logo
Frisco & Allen, TX
Date: Apr 23 to May 03
HC Logo
Stockholm, SWE & Herning, DEN
Date: May 09 to 25