Fans have been filling the stands of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre in Bridgewater this week to watch the 2016 World Sledge Hockey Challenge as Team Canada takes on challengers from the United States, Korea and Russia.
Billy Bridges has been playing sledge hockey for Team Canada for 18 years, and the Prince Edward Island native says playing close to home makes tournaments like this one extra special.
“To be able to play a couple hours from home in P.E.I. is really incredible,” he said. “My grandfather just passed away and all my family is in P.E.I. and I know they’re watching.”
Team Canada coach Ken Babey says the team has been on the receiving end of some excellent Nova Scotia hospitality.
“Lunenburg’s been outstanding. The people here have supported us well,” he said. “They’re very pleasant to be around, they have a lot of spirit and they love their hockey.”
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Greg Westlake, the captain of Team Canada’s 17-man roster, is hoping to share a first place finish with the town.
Plans to bring the tournament to the area began well over a year ago, led by the Events Lunenburg County.
“This is the first big sporting event and if this is any indication, we’re off and running,” said Bridgewater Mayor David Walker.
On Wednesday, students from the South Shore Regional School Board were in attendance cheering on the teams.
“Some schools were cheering for Russia, some schools were cheering for U.S.A. I think the players on the ice were just blown away by how much excitement and how much volume was in the arena,” Walker said.
The tournament wraps up Saturday with the bronze- and gold-medal games.
More information is available on the tournament website.
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