“Try Skating and Blind Hockey” event in Winnipeg

Canadian blind hockey has teamed up with the Manitoba moose for the try skating and blind hockey event, to officially launch the all-new Winnipeg blind hockey program.

“We’d like to give the opportunity for youth all the way up to adults for a chance to learn how to skate, while also incorporating blind hockey with the hopes of getting a blind hockey program running in the next couple of years,” said Scarlette Dorn, program coordinator for the Winnipeg Blind Hockey.

Several members of the Manitoba Moose helped the participants with a skate and some drills, which were followed by a pizza party.

It was a blast for everyone involved, from the volunteers, to those participating and learning how to play hockey. 

“This is amazing, you know there’s people that are out here that are completely blind and I can’t imagine how hard that would be, so its inspiring to see them come out here, they’ve never skated before and they can’t see, and its courageous to come out here and do this because its not easy,” said Mason Shaw, plays forward for the Manitoba Moose.

“I told the people that one piece of advice is don’t worry about falling because I fall all the time and this is my job, so its extremely courageous and I’m happy we could help out here.”

“Its really exciting for not just people who are visually impaired but totally blind to get the idea of like, okay, I’m on the skates, and okay this is how I feel and what not, because I’m visually impaired,” said Tammy Lumax, participant. “So it took me a while to get used to the idea of being on skates but I’m really, I’m loving it! Doesn’t matter if you’re visually impaired or blind, have fun, come on out, and enjoy.”

There will be four more events like this scheduled in Winnipeg this season, with more to come next hockey season.