About THE BLADES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What makes Adapted Hockey so awesome?

THE PLAYERS!!  Each player is so totally unique. Too often we tend to look at the disability and don’t take the time to see and appreciate their Abilities. Any individual whether 6 or 60 who has a developmental, intellectual, or physical disability, or are neuro-diverse, is encouraged to play the great Canadian game of Hockey on our team.

One player may not be able to speak but his smile is so huge and contagious that you can’t help but get excited when the players are on the ice.  Another player may take years to be able to skate well enough on their own but their gentleness has a calming effect on all who are around that person.

A person may join the team who, because of their disability, has an uncontrollable urge to run, but with guidance and patience is able to learn to control this urge. For this player’s family it is impossible to describe the emotions they feel when for the first time they are sitting on the sidelines and their child is safe and happy being a part of a team.

Do I have to know how to skate in order to be a part of the team?

NO.  We will help our non-skaters learn to skate. Even though they may still be learning to skate they are still with their team on the ice when we play games against other teams and where a safe environment is ensured. You should see the smiles when they step on the ice for the very first time and manage their way around the arena!

Does the team participate in tournaments and out of town games?

Yes, as such we play friendship games with local community groups and participate in tournaments as we are able. In past seasons we have participated in the Niagara Jr Ice Dogs tournament in St Catherine’s, and are always looking for chances to participate in other tournaments as the opportunities present themselves. We typically schedule games with other member and community organizations, who share our philosophy of total inclusion and who are in easy driving distance, to which all players and families are encouraged to attend.

What makes your team different?

The BLADES is entirely staffed by caring and dedicated volunteers, for both coaching and administration. We depend entirely upon the goodwill of our volunteers, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude! We invite anyone interested in helping out to contact us using the email address below.

We are incorporated as a Charitable organization under the laws of the province of Ontario, and we are based in Cambridge. We are just beginning our 14th season in Sep 2025, and we continue to enjoy a great relationship with Buckingham Sports at the Cambridge Sports Park.

We share the vision with other adapted/special needs hockey teams to see an adapted/special needs team in every major city and town across Canada and beyond. Every season provides new experiences for our athletes.

We all contribute to making the hockey experience as exciting and fulfilling for each player, always encouraging them to do their own personal best. At present we are a mixed team and our coaches do their best to pair our lines with compatible skill levels when engaging with other teams.

Are you a charitable organization?

YES we are registered with the CRA as a Charitable Organization. We issue receipts for all donations to The BLADES in excess of $20, by the end of February, in coordination with the tax year.

How is your team funded?

We are a privately run team who appreciates support from individuals and companies who might wish to sponsor us.  Our families are involved with fundraising activities to help pay for ice time, liability insurance, equipment, and assisting individuals or families who may require financial support in order to be a part of the team. Registration fees are kept to a minimum so that no family is disadvantaged.

Got a question, drop us an email, we would love to hear from you. The BLADES are always looking for additional players to join our team!

To contact The BLADES : bladesoperationsteam@gmail.ca