The Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League (OPWHL) celebrated the creation of two expansion teams, the Sharks and Gators, on Nov. 25 with a game at the Norm Fenn gym.
The OPWHL provides a recreational and competitive hockey program for people with disabilities.
A group of students from Carleton University started the OPWHL back in 2009, and since then they’ve been meeting up regularly for practice sessions.
“It was a small team of about seven or eight people, it’s only in the last year that we really expanded the teams,” Sharks team member Delany Dunlop said.
Students meet at the Greenboro Community Centre every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“This is a special time where we have the opportunity to share our talents and experience team building and gain confidence within ourselves,” Dunlop said.
The Nov. 25 game brought victory to the Sharks with a win of 4-2.
In an interview with Metro, OPWHL Board Chair Donna Haycock said she is usually on the lookout for more funding opportunities so players can continue expanding and playing in regional games.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people who are disabled who don’t have the avenue for socialization and recreational sport,” she said.
“A lot of these people never thought they would be able to play hockey. They would have to sit and watch. Now they’re out there playing a modified version with the same intensity, the same excitement, and the same social group setting.”
Gator goaltender Katie McMillan was overwhelmed with happiness from the support of the fans.
“The turnout was great,” said McMillian. “It was nice to see a lot of people come out and watch us play.”
Roddey Harb, who scored two goals for the Gators, explained that although his team lost, he’s looking forward to upcoming tournaments
“We will make up for it next season,” Harb said.
“I appreciate all the support from the community and we truly feel like we raised awareness of the league throughout Ottawa,” Harb said.
