A 17-man Canada squad ready for gold in Beijing

Reigning Paralympic silver medallists Canada have announced the 17 players who will represent the country in Para ice hockey at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Canada’s roster includes two goaltenders, five defensemen, and 10 forwards. Of the 17 players on the roster, 10 are returning from the PyeongChang 2018 squad that won a silver medal.

“Today’s announcement is an exciting moment for our athletes and staff as we countdown to puck drop in Beijing,” said head coach Ken Babey.

“Our team has one goal in mind, and that is to bring home a gold medal, and we are confident this group will make Canadians proud from coast to coast to coast.”

Forwards Billy Bridges and Greg Westlake are the most experienced veterans of the team, with Bridges set for his sixth Paralympic Winter Games appearance and Westlake readying for his fifth.

Right behind them is defenseman Adam Dixon heading for his fourth, with forward Ben Delaney, goaltender Dominic Larocque and forward Tyler McGregor playing in their third Games.

Forward Liam Hickey will also be at his third Games, but second as a Para ice hockey player after competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in wheelchair basketball.

SEVEN DEBUTANTS

“Any chance to wear the Maple Leaf is very special, and it is an honour to be a part of this team and to compete for a gold medal in Beijing,” said McGregor.

“We hope that any young Canadian watching our team will be inspired and see an opportunity to get in a sled on the ice and chase their dreams.”

“Representing Canada at the Paralympics is a tremendous privilege,” said the goaltender Dominic Larocque. “This group has become extremely close during the last four years in preparation for the Games, and we cannot wait to start the tournament on March 5.”

Seven athletes will be making their Paralympic debuts, including defenseman Rod Crane, forward Anton Jacobs-Webb, goaltender Adam Kingsmill, forward Zach Lavin, forward Antoine Lehoux, forward Garrett Riley, and defenseman Branden Sison.

Canada will be looking to return to the top step of the Paralympic podium for the first time since 2006. In the ensuing years, the country has claimed bronze in 2014 and silver in 2018.

The Canadians are currently ranked No. 2 in the world behind the US, most recently winning the silver medal at both the 2019 and 2021 World Championships.

Canada will play in Group A alongside the US and Korea. The top two teams from the round-robin will automatically move into the semifinals, with the bottom team playing in the quarterfinals.

The Canadians will kick off their preliminary round against their arch-rivals from the US on 5 March.