Organizer Lorne Underwood of the Clifford Recreation Association (CRA) hosted a winter carnival on Nov. 11 at the arena in Clifford.
To start the fun, two women’s hockey teams, the Clifford Barn Cats and Walkerton Blue Liners, played a game refereed by Dan Richardson. The teams showed their speed, agility, skill and love of the game.
A number of adults and children headed out on the ice for the free public skate. There was also a table filled with children’s activities and colouring sheets.
Two intermediate sledge hockey teams, the Woolwich Thrashers and the Elmvale Bears took to the ice in the afternoon.
These teams played fast and furious, getting what Thrasher assistant captain Devon Sivill describes as “a really good cardio workout.” He said it takes a special talent to play this sport. It requires unique abilities and caters to disabled athletes.
Elmvale Bears’ Christian Hauck was recruited after seeing an exhibition game in Gravenhurst. He is quick to explain he has cerebral palsy, wears the number four in recognition of former NHL star Bobby Orr, and aspires to be a member of the national Paralympic team.
League president Drew Rigden talked about the league and his time on the national sledge team in 2008 winning gold against the Norway team in Japan.
Twenty teams in three divisions play in various cities: North Bay, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Sarnia and Buffalo.
The sleds range in price from $600 to $900, the sticks are $50 and the picks cost $30.
For information on sledge hockey visit the Ontario Sledge Hockey Association at www.ontariosledge.com.
