Breaking new ice: Hockey clinic brings sport to Mexico

Mexico City hosted a remarkable four Para ice hockey introductory clinics in just 48 hours across two different locations in the metropolitan area in April. 

The response? 

Participation spots were in such high demand that organisers had to implement a rotation system to ensure everyone had the chance to try the sport, underscoring the potential for significant growth of a programme in Mexico. 

“The success exceeded all expectation,” said Karina Villegas, who joined the US women’s development team after emigrating from Venezuela, and with her ties to Latin America, was the driving force for many months to make the clinics happen.

“The enthusiasm was palpable, not just from the participants themselves, but also from their families, friends, and the wider hockey community who rallied to support the events. We were truly overwhelmed by the level of engagement and commitment shown.”

Organised by the Urban Hockey Foundation and supported by the National Paralympic Committee of Mexico (COPAME), the three-day clinic included five on-ice sessions and a three-on-three exhibition game. US and Canada’s national team captains, Josh Pauls and Tyler McGregor, served as mentors for the week.

Villegas herself dedicated considerable time and resources to launching the sport in Mexico, with finding the funding and equipment proving to be the biggest challenge. 

Ultimately, through funding by the Urban Hockey Foundation and support from a Para Ice Hockey Mexico team of volunteers, she was able to tackle all the logistical challenges of staging the clinic. 

The NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights generously donated 13 sleds and branded sticks through their LosVGK platform, created to support their Spanish-speaking fans, and left the equipment there afterwards to encourage the sport’s continued growth. Equipment was also borrowed from local youth programmes, and the ice time was donated by Ice Town Sentura and La Pista Interlomas.

🏒Al termino de la conferencia de prensa, se llevó a cabo la demostración de Para hockey sobre hielo en la pista📍Ice Town Sentura, donde asistieron personas con y sin discapacidad con el objetivo de conocer esta disciplina. pic.twitter.com/RtA3Q9w7gn

— Comité Paralímpico Mexicano (@COPAME) April 5, 2025

“The sight of a family playing hockey together for the first time was particularly heartwarming, a testament to the inclusive spirit we cultivated,” Villegas said. “Then there was the participant who journeyed six grueling hours by bus, only to return the very next day – their unwavering commitment a powerful example for us all. The collaborative spirit extended beyond the participants themselves; the youth hockey teams generously providing equipment, parents lending a hand setting up sleds, and the rink staff's tireless support created an atmosphere of collective achievement.”

The ultimate goal of the introductory clinics was “to foster a thriving Para ice hockey community within Mexico City” and it exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations. Now, participants and supporters are in the process of arranging additional clinics at the local Ice Town Sentura, which has since graciously donated three hours daily of ice time for prospective players. 

Together, the group is working with Mexico's National Paralympic Committee with the aim of sending the first Mexican athletes to a World Para Ice Hockey event in the near future.

"The incorporation of Para ice hockey in our nation is a firm step towards the strengthening of Para sport in Mexico,” said Liliana Suarez Carreon, President of COPAME. “These clinics will, not only open the door to a new Para sport in Mexico, but also inspire more people with an impairment to find in sport a tool for inclusion, development and transformation. From COPAME, we celebrate this step and thank those who have contributed to sow this seed for the future.” 

“We aim to facilitate the development of Para ice hockey programmes at every ice hockey rink across Mexico,” Villegas added. “This includes securing necessary equipment, recruiting qualified instructors, and creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all skill levels. We believe this will be a catalyst for further growth and development within the sport, inspiring future generations of players not only in Mexico but all Latin America.”