In Western Australia, para ice hockey has experienced a surge in popularity, with a passionate group of athletes propelling the sport to new heights. This high-contact, fast-paced sport, played on sleds mounted on narrow skates and driven by double-ended sticks, has captivated many individuals with disabilities. Among them is Robyn Lambird, a decorated Paralympian, who describes the experience of gliding across the rink as exhilarating.
Though Australia has yet to secure a spot in the Winter Paralympics, the game’s appeal continues to grow, especially as it presents little variation from its able-bodied version aside from equipment modifications. Western Australia’s team, the Garden Island Pirates, founded in 2017, reflects this rising interest. Their transformation from a figure skating club to a para ice hockey hub underscores a burgeoning community of athletes eager to embrace the sport.
Michael Francis, the club’s president, embraced para ice hockey after attending a ‘come and try’ event, subsequently representing Australia in the World Championships in Thailand. Despite the challenges, including equipment costs and limited facilities – with gear amounting to thousands of dollars – the club’s resolve remains firm. Founder Dan Perrett highlights the daily quest for sponsorship and funding to sustain the sport’s momentum.
Even with these hurdles, players like Ben Chalker and Max Devery express gratitude for the chance to participate, with Devery remarking on the thrill the sport provides. The vision for Australian para ice hockey is clear among its community: to achieve recognition and compete on the Paralympic stage, driven by the sport’s intrinsic allure and shared determination.