When faced with a recent spinal cord injury or living with a disability, thoughts of accessible sports, such as para ice hockey, in Canada may not be at the forefront of your mind. Adaptive recreation and disability sports can offer more benefits than you might realize. From stress management to improving your physical wellness and feeling connected to your community, accessible recreation is a powerful and enjoyable endeavor.
In this episode of Underestimated, presented by Oatley Vigmond Personal Injury Lawyers and brought to you by Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, we delve into the world of para ice hockey in Canada. Joining us in the studio is the remarkable Rod Crane, a para ice hockey athlete who proudly represents Canada. Rod Crane, a defenseman, has made his mark on Canada’s Para ice hockey team, participating in the Winter Paralympics and the World Para Ice Hockey Championships. A seasoned competitor, he has proudly represented his country in the last two world championships (2019 and 2021), securing silver medals both times. Notably, Crane scored his inaugural goal for Canada at the 2019 worlds and added two more goals in 2021 during a triumphant round robin victory against the Czech Republic.
Hailing from Heathcote, Ontario, Crane enjoyed an active childhood, playing stand-up ice hockey as a goalie for 12 years. However, in 2010, at the age of 18, his life took an unexpected turn when he sustained a spinal cord injury while attempting a backflip on a trampoline. Eager to regain his independence, he embarked on his educational journey shortly after the accident. By 2014, he found solace and a renewed sense of purpose in para ice hockey, all thanks to his introduction to the Elmvale Bears, a renowned sledge hockey team, through the invaluable support of Heather Hollingshead at Spinal Cord Injury Ontario.
We hope that today’s episode has provided you with encouragement and sparked ideas for accessible sports and adaptive recreation within your own community. There are more opportunities than you might think to engage in accessible sports and find a sense of belonging. As always, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare team before embarking on a new exercise program, ensuring it aligns with your individual needs and circumstances.
Remember, para ice hockey in Canada and paralympic sport as a whole offer remarkable experiences and opportunities for athletes like Rod Crane to showcase their skills and resilience. Let’s continue to celebrate the power of parasport and the inclusive nature of sledge hockey in the Paralympic Games and beyond. Together, we can promote and support athletes in their pursuit of excellence in sports like para ice hockey and beyond.
If you enjoyed this video on para ice hockey in Canada, featuring Rod Crane and the Elmvale Bears sledge hockey club , and want to learn more about accessible sports, please remember to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions. We hope to see you here again soon!
To learn more about the Elmvale Bears visit parasportontario.ca/clubs/elmvale-bears-sledge-hockey
