Programs Hockey 2007 - May to August! Sundays 12 noon-2pm Riley Park Arena, 50 East 30th Ave, Vancouver NOTE 1: No hockey on May 20th or June 17th NOTE 2: August 5th and 12th, hockey moved to Trout Lake Ice Rink, 3350 Victoria Drive, Vancouver If you are interested in playing some fun hockey, contact Hilary Brown at 604.323.7944; email hjbrown@shaw.ca. What is Wheelchair Hockey? In 1991, a small group of recently injured young guys at G.F. Strong started shooting the ball around with cut down hockey sticks. Little did they know they were about to bring Canada's great game to disabled athletes around British Columbia. Who can play? Anybody with access to a manual wheelchair can play. As one of the most recent innovations in wheelchair sports, hockey is exceptional because of its accessibility to people with a wide range of disabilities. Players are classified according to their physical ability. This system allows players of every level of ability to play concurrently. It is the only team sport in which quadriplegics, paraplegics, amputees and able-bodied individuals can compete with and against each other at the same time. Recreational and Competitive Opportunities Wheelchair Hockey is open to players for any level of involvement. Recreational programs exist where new players are encouraged to participate in "pick-up" games. More organized tournaments are hosted by various North American cities. There is a wide range of competition, but only the best find themselves competing for the "Stanley Cup" of wheelchair hockey - the Eastland Cup, national championship of the US Amateur Athletics Union, held each year in Anaheim, California. Why play? The real beauty of wheelchair hockey is the mix of skill and toughness. Players with limited mobility can contribute with smart defensive play and positioning, while those more agile can battle deep in the corners for possession of the ball. Even the least skilled player will have considerable opportunity to handle (or bauble) the ball. There is also a mix of grey-haired and younger folks, men and women. This is another aspect of the game that makes it almost unique in the sports world. Plus, when it comes right down to it, the best reason to play is the sport itself. A disability is no limitation to enjoying Canada's most well-known contribution to sports, the world's greatest game - hockey. For more information, or to get involved, contact us at BCWSA.