Calgary to Host 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge

Hockey Canada announced on Wednesday (5 October) that Calgary, Alberta, will host the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge from 27 November – 3 December at the new WinSport Canada Athletic and Ice Complex at Canada Olympic Park.

Canada’s national team will be joined by Japan, Norway and the USA. The four teams competing were the top-four finishers at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. USA took gold over Japan, while Norway defeated Canada for the bronze.

Canada won the gold medal at the last edition of the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in April in London, Ontario, capping off a dominating run through the tournament with an 8-0 victory over Norway in the gold-medal game. Overall, Canada outscored the opposition, 48-2, while posting a perfect 5-0 record.

“We could not be more excited to take to the ice in Calgary, the home of Hockey Canada, at the brand-new WinSport facility and go for gold,” said Canadian head coach Mike Mondin.

“Last spring in London was such a tremendous experience, winning the gold medal in front of our fans, and we’re looking forward to what will surely be an unforgettable atmosphere in Calgary.”

Tickets are now on sale for the World Sledge Hockey Challenge, which will act as a precursor for next spring’s World Championships.

A seven-game Team Canada package is available for just $45, including all three of Canada’s preliminary round games, both semi-finals, the bronze-medal game and gold-medal game. Single-game tickets will be available closer to the start of the tournament.

The gold-medal game on December 3 will be shown on TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada.

For more information on the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca/wshc.

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