Surrey Eagles will have special guests at their Saturday game vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals in South Surrey at 'The Nest,' their home arena.
The British Columbia Hockey League team is hosting SportAbility’s Surrey para hockey team for a pre-game ceremony and an intermission game.
Before the game, para hockey players from the SportAbility program will participate in a ceremonial puck drop and share information about para hockey in the province.
As well, during the first intermission of the Eagles vs. Capitals game, SportAbility athletes will take the ice for a five-minute para hockey demo.
In addition, SportAbility staff, volunteers and players will host an information booth on the concourse, where they will provide information to spectators and accept donations towards their program.
Saturday night Eagles games, which typically attract more than 1,000 spectators, are a great venue for the demos and information sharing, said Ron Brar, who owns the Eagles with his brother, TJ Brar.
"We're very blessed to be able to host the para hockey team, to have them here," Brar said.
"When our own players tried para hockey, it was difficult. ... It's very different from what they're used to."
Eagles, who are currently sixth in the BCHL's Coastal Conference standings, first face Victoria Grizzles on Friday at South Surrey Arena, before they take on Cowichan in the Saturday game. Both game times have a 7 p.m. puck drop.
There's another chance to see sledge hockey in action, at the 14th annual Sledge Hockey Showdown at Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex (rink 3) on Nov. 30.
Hosted by SportAbility to raise awareness about local and provincial programs, and to celebrate the para hockey community in British Columbia, the Showdown is a one-day round-robin tournament where local community groups face off against each other while raising money for BC Para Ice Hockey growth and development.
This year, six to eight teams are expected to participate.
Visit sportabilitybc.ca for more details about the Nov. 30 Showdown or para hockey in B.C.
For Surrey Eagles tickets or information, visit surreyeagles.net
