When Canada's Para ice hockey team talks about winning gold at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympics, they're not engaging in polite optimism. They mean it, and the evidence backs them up.
The squad heading to Italy is one of the deepest and most experienced Canada has ever assembled. Players like Tyler McGregor have spoken about a sense of unified purpose on this team that goes beyond previous campaigns. They're not just hoping to win. They're expecting to.
What Is Para Ice Hockey?
For the uninitiated: Para ice hockey, also known as sledge hockey, is played on sleds with skate blades underneath, and players use two sticks with both a blade for shooting and a pick for propulsion. It's a full-contact sport played at genuine speed, and at the Paralympic level, the hits are real and the competition is fierce.
Canada is one of the historical powerhouses of the sport, having won multiple Paralympic gold medals. The United States has long been their primary rival at the top of the podium.
The Ottawa Connection
Ottawa has a strong Para sport culture, with community programs run through organizations like Ottawa Sport and Social Club and various adapted athletics networks. For residents with disabilities and for families of Para athletes, this team's gold medal run would be deeply personal.
The capital's proximity to national sport institutes also means Ottawa has historically contributed to the development pipeline for Paralympic athletes across multiple disciplines.
How to Watch
Para ice hockey at the Milano-Cortina Games is streaming on CBC Gem and airing on CBC Sports. The competition runs through the closing stages of the Paralympics on March 16. If you've never watched a game before, the quarterfinals are an excellent entry point: and Canada's matchups should be among the most compelling games of the tournament.
Source: CBC Sports
