‘You can do anything’: Fraser Valley youth try blind hockey in Chilliwack
Published 12:33 pm Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A group of blind and partially sighted kids from across the Fraser Valley recently had the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of skating and playing hockey for the very first time. This event, organized by Canadian Blind Hockey and supported by funding from the Vancouver Canucks charity, aimed to introduce the sport to those who may not have had the chance to try it before.
According to Matt Morrow, the executive director with Canadian Blind Hockey, the primary goal of such initiatives is to raise awareness about hockey as an accessible sport for visually impaired individuals. “The idea is to introduce the sport to those that haven’t tried it before and let them know that hockey is available for them,” he explained. This aligns with the broader para-sport movement that seeks to use sports as a powerful catalyst for social change.
On February 5, visually impaired students from Grades 3 to 12, spanning locations from Surrey to Hope, laced up their skates to hit the ice at the Sardis Sports Complex in Chilliwack. The free event drew participation from 18 excited individuals who were eager to dive into the world of hockey.
Gauge McGregor, a spirited nine-year-old from Langley, shared his enthusiasm about the experience. Born with only five percent of normal vision (20/800), this was Gauge’s first time engaging with hockey and his third outing on skates. “I’ve had such a good time,” he exclaimed, his bright smile a testament to his enjoyment. Adding a touch of encouragement, his grandmother Eva McGregor remarked, “He loves to try everything,” noting that he is also involved in soccer and baseball.
Initially, Gauge found it a bit “funny” to hold the hockey stick, but as he found his rhythm, he quickly grew more confident. “It was good. It was easy,” he said, expressing his excitement about shooting and passing the puck.
In blind hockey, the equipment is specifically designed to accommodate players’ needs. The pucks used are larger than standard pucks, measuring 5.5 inches wide by 1.75 inches high, and crafted from steel with ball bearings inside. This design allows players who are blind to hear the puck while also making it visible for those with some vision. The unique specifications ensure that the equipment meets the needs of all players effectively while still fitting standard hockey sticks.
During the event, participants wore either black or bright yellow jerseys and relied heavily on verbal communication to navigate the ice. “The nice thing about the rink is it’s always the same – 200 feet by 85 feet – and the two nets are always in the same position,” Morrow noted. This consistency provides a safe environment where players can focus on learning their positions and developing their skills without the distractions of spontaneous obstacles.
Volunteer students from the Sardis Hockey Academy played a pivotal role in the success of the event. Approximately 20 students assisted in guiding the blind and partially sighted children around the ice, helping them familiarize themselves with the game and practice hockey drills. Morrow remarked, “I’m sure that the Sardis Hockey Academy students will leave with a newfound appreciation of the athletic abilities of athletes that are blind or partially sighted.”
Canadian Blind Hockey has a strong track record of promoting the sport, having hosted over 300 ‘Try Skating’ and ‘Blind Hockey’ events across Canada and recently celebrating 15 years of impactful programming. The initiatives receive crucial support through partnerships, such as the newly announced collaboration with the Vancouver Canucks, which has been the charity’s largest partnership with an NHL team to date. “Our partnership with the Canucks and the Canucks for Kids Fund helps to make these programs possible across B.C. communities like Fraser Valley,” Morrow stated.
This collaboration enabled Canadian Blind Hockey to return to the Fraser Valley for its skating program on February 5. Last year marked a milestone for the organization, with over 2,000 students attending a game in Toronto. As part of the new partnership, the Lower Mainland youth program has been rebranded as the Vancouver Jr. Canucks Blind Hockey Team, with an all-ages program in Victoria named the Victoria Canucks Blind Hockey Team.
Morrow encapsulated the spirit of the event by affirming, “If you see a person with 10 percent vision, or less, competing at one of the fastest sports in the world, what else can they do? You can do anything.” This sentiment echoes the empowering message that Canadian Blind Hockey strives to spread, offering a platform where youth can break barriers and discover their potential through sports.