2009 World Sledge Hockey Challenge

SUMMERSIDE - There's a lot at stake for Canada's national sledge hockey team members this week.
The 2009 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, being held at MacLauchlan Arena on the UPEI campus in Charlottetown, begins today and runs until Saturday's gold-medal game at 2 p.m. It's the second year in a row Charlottetown has hosted this tournament.
"I'm excited to come back again," said Team Canada forward and Summerside native Billy Bridges. "The competition has gotten a lot stiffer this time, so it will be interesting to see what happens."
It is the final major international event for Team Canada before the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C., in March. Team Canada's roster still has to be trimmed from 18 to 15 for the Paralympics, and those players are expected to be announced early in 2010.
"Every single team is a world contender," said Bridges. "Anyone can beat anyone at any time.
"There are huge hits and hard shots, and it's really entertaining to watch. Even if you're not a hockey fan, you can still come out and enjoy it."

Visited Summerside
Bridges, along with a couple of other national teammates, were recently in Summerside for a sledge hockey demonstration.
"It's really exciting and is probably the only time I'll ever get a chance to actually play a little bit of shinny in Summerside, my hometown," said Bridges. "A lot of my family is from up west, like the Alberton area."
The 25-year-old Bridges, who now resides in Mississauga, Ont., is no stranger to sledge hockey. In his 11th year with the national team, he has become one of the more recognizable names in the sport.
"Everyone needs to know that everybody can play it," said Bridges. "My hope for sledge hockey is that there will be able-bodied beer leagues.
"I want people on a Tuesday night to come out and play sledge hockey. Anyone can play, you don't have to be disabled, and it's a great workout."
One of the biggest changes Bridges has experienced is the development of the sport's equipment.
"Our sleds used to weigh about 40 pounds, they were made of steel and there was nothing to strap yourself into, they were just like a hammock," explained Bridges. "Once the technology came around, it has made the game a lot better."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com