When the roster for Canada’s national sledge hockey team was announced last weekend, there was little surprise Orton native Brad Bowden was on the list.
Recognized by many as one of the world’s top players, Bowden, 30, has been a member of the national sledge hockey team since 1999.
He is a three-time world champion and helped Canada to Paralympic gold in 2006 and fourth place in 2010.
“Getting down to 17 players was by no means an easy decision, which is a testament to the sledge hockey talent this country is producing,” head coach Mike Mondin said after announcing the team on Jan. 18. “We feel we’ve assembled the best roster possible, and we’re excited to compete for Canada at the Paralympics in Sochi.”
Of the 17 players chosen, 16 helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2013 Sledge Hockey World Championship in Goyang, South Korea, and eight represented Canada at the 2010 Paralympics.
“Hockey Canada is very proud of the players and staff nominated for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games,” said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada.
“The Paralympics is biggest stage for sledge hockey in the world and I know our athletes will play their best and make Canadians proud.”
Bowden, who was born with sacral agenesis, a spinal deformity, has represented Canada at two Paralympic Winter Games and one Paralympic Summer Games (in wheelchair basketball).
