Key Details of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team

Representing resilience, skill and national pride, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team has been a dominant force in international para hockey since coming fully under the Hockey Canada umbrella in 2004. Competing in a handful of major events in Canada and around the world, the team has captured gold at the Paralympic Winter Games, World Para Hockey Championship and Para Cup.

International Success:

Canada’s Para Hockey Team has built a legacy of excellence:

Each year, four teams compete for gold. Past participants include:

• Gold – Paralympic Winter Games: 2006
• Gold – World Para Hockey Championship: 2000, 2008, 2013, 2017, 2024
• Gold – Para Cup: 2007, 2008, April 2011, November 2011, 2013

Featured Tournaments:

World Para Hockey Championship

Organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), this is the sport’s premier global event outside of the Paralympic Winter Games.

• Founded: 1996 (as the IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship)
• Rebranded: In 2016, the sport officially became Para Ice Hockey and the championship adopted the name World Para Hockey Championship.
• Format: Top-ranked national teams from IPC member countries.
• Canada’s Record: The Canadians are five-time world champions, topping the podium in 2000, 2008, 2013, 2017 and on home ice in 2024.

International Para Hockey Cup

A newer addition to the international calendar, this tournament was launched in 2022 by Czechia Para Hockey.

• Format: Annual invitational tournament featuring four elite national teams.
• Purpose: Offers early-season competition.
• Significance: Quickly gaining prestige as a major event for para hockey programs worldwide.

Legacy & Impact:

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team continues to inspire and lead the way in adaptive sport. With a rich history of success and a commitment to growing the game, the team plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and excellence in hockey.

Key Details of the Para Cup

The Para Cup is a major international para hockey event, the lone tournament held annually in Canada. Formerly known as the World Sledge Hockey Challenge and Para Hockey Cup, this annual invitational tournament brings together four of the world’s best para hockey nations for high-intensity, elite-level play.

Event Overview:

Each year, four teams compete for gold. Past participants include:

• Canada
• China
• Czechia
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Russia
• South Korea
• United States

Tournament Format:

• Preliminary Round: All four teams play each other once.
• Semifinals: 1st place faces 4th place; 2nd place takes on 3rd place.
• Medal Games: Semifinal winners play for gold; losers compete for bronze.

Historical Highlights:

• The inaugural tournament was held in Kelowna, B.C., in 2007; Canada won gold in overtime against Norway.
• In 2018, the event rebranded from the World Sledge Hockey Challenge to the Para Hockey Cup. It became the Para Cup in 2024.

Scouting Spotlight:

The Para Cup is a vital showcase for Paralympic hopefuls, offering high-level competition and exposure to international styles of play. It’s a proving ground for athletes aiming to represent their countries on the biggest stage.