Hockey Canada has announced the 31 players who will attend the second iteration of Canada’s National Para Development League (PDL) at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Jan. 15-17 in Oakville, Ontario.
The PDL is an effort by Hockey Canada to create more competitive touchpoints with its para hockey athletes through the season and provide an opportunity for NextGen athletes to gain experience alongside national team members.
Three goaltenders, 10 defence and 18 forwards – including five members of Canada’s national women’s para hockey team (Clements, Mah, Spong, Tousignant, White) - were selected by Mike Foligno (Sudbury, ON), assistant coach of Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, to participate in small-area training sessions and three intrasquad games.
“We are anticipating growth from our first PDL and are looking forward for the opportunity to further our in-season evaluation process from a coaching perspective,” Foligno said. “The PDL is a unique opportunity to enhance our game play, while providing valuable experience to a range of para hockey athletes.”
Hockey Canada has also announced that Greg Ireland (Orangeville, ON), Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON) and Jean Labonté (Hull, QC) will work with the players on the ice and behind the bench.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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