Our family has always been passionate about hockey. However, when my brother Dylan had contracted meningococcal meningitis when he was 9 months old and after every attempt at saving his legs, the doctors had made the final, last resort decision that it was best to amputate. When hearing the news we were all crushed and overwhelmed with sad emotion as we had no idea how we would adapt to this new found life with a child living with a disability. Let alone how involved we loved being in hockey, the idea that he won’t be able to play weighed heavy on our hearts… That was until we discovered sledge hockey. 

Sledge hockey is an adaptive sport that allows people of all ages with a variety of abilities to participate and enjoy the thrill of hockey. Despite its importance, it's challenging and IS impossible to find equipment for this inclusive sport in mainstream sports stores across Canada. There are websites that offer sledge hockey equipment, but as a stand up hockey player would rather hold a stick and feel how it feels in their hands, someone who is playing sledge hockey also wants to sit in the sled, or hold the sticks to decide on an effective weight. 

Canadian Tire, as one of the largest retail companies in Canada specializing in sports equipment (especially stand up hockey equipment) among other items, has an opportunity and responsibility to make sledge hockey more accessible. Currently, there are no dedicated sections for sledge hockey equipment in their stores nationwide.

This lack of accessibility not only limits participation but also sends a disheartening message about inclusivity in sports. According to Statistics Canada (2017), approximately 22% of Canadians reported having at least one disability that hindered their daily activities - many of whom could benefit from more inclusive sporting options like sledge hockey.

We urge Canadian Tire to establish dedicated sections for sledge hockey equipment across all their stores nationwide. This will not only provide easier access but also promote inclusivity and equal opportunities within sports communities across Canada.

With Canadian Tire having the ‘JumpStart Program’, it is clear they support kids of all abilities included in sports and other recreational activities. This is wonderful for many reasons… Although it is puzzling as they don’t have any of these adaptive sports equipment in store or even online. They do however have a commercial broadcasted on TV with the sport being played, which again is very appreciated by the sledge hockey community, but unfortunate if anyone sees it and goes into their local Canadian Tire to see how to get started, but no one has an answer as it isn’t found in store. 

Please sign this petition if you believe everyone deserves the chance to play and enjoy hockey regardless of any circumstance.