New Partnership

The British Columbia Hockey League is proud to announce a partnership with Courage Canada Hockey for the Blind and has stepped up to support their mission with a cheque presentation which was made at Friday’s Langley Rivermen – Chilliwack Chiefs game at Langley Events Centre.

Courage Canada is a national registered charity that leads the development of Blind Hockey and provides youth with the opportunity to learn to skate and try Blind Hockey.

This season, several BCHL teams have hosted Courage Canada’s youth programs with players and coaches taking youngsters on the ice, many of them for the first time, to experience Canada’s winter sport.

The BCHL’s contribution will help Courage Canada with the facility rentals, transportation, meals and other costs their programs require.

“B.C. is our biggest province in terms of programs and this ensures we can meet the growing demand,” said Courage Canada executive director Matt Morrow. “What’s special about the BCHL is it’s a developing partnership. A few teams have stepped up already and kids really benefit.”

In blind hockey, players use an oversized disc that makes noise and moves more slowly than a standard hockey puck.

The skill of players at the highest level makes the game look little different than a normal game of hockey.

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with Courage Canada,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “Hockey has the ability to affect positive change across all levels of Canadian society so we feel like this is an ideal fit for everyone.”

Based on the programs hosted in the league already, there is room for growth to more BCHL communities.

“I think it’s huge for a kid that has a disability going out on the ice,” said Morrow. “That’s why it’s been great to have an expert mentor like a BCHL player.”