World Sledge Hockey Challenge heading to Toronto

“The World Sledge Hockey Challenge is one of the biggest events in our sport, and it’s sure to be a great week on the road to the Paralympics.”

Hockey Canada announced on Thursday (10 October) that Toronto will host the 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge from 1-7 December at the MasterCard Centre, where Canada’s team will be joined by Japan, Russia and the USA.

Canada, the defending world champions, won silver at the 2012 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Calgary, dropping a 1-0 decision to the USA in the gold-medal game. Overall, Canada have won four gold medals in six tries at the tournament.

Canada, Russia and USA have already qualified for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

“We are excited about getting back to game action in Toronto,” said Mike Mondin, Canadian head coach.

“The World Sledge Hockey Challenge is one of the biggest events in our sport, and it’s sure to be a great week on the road to the Paralympics.”

Tickets are now on sale for the event as well. A six-game Team Canada package is available for just $35, including all three of Canada’s preliminary round games, Canada’s semifinal game, the bronze-medal game and gold-medal game.

The gold-medal game will take place at 19:30 ET on 7 December and will be shown in Canada on TSN and RDS.

Fans will be able to follow the event via Fast Hockey’s webcast.