Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League rolls into a new season

The Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League continues to grow as it returns for another year. CTV’s Josh Marano has the story.

The sound of sticks and spinning wheels echoed through the gym inside Greenboro Community Centre as the Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League (OPWHL) kicked off its new season.

For 13-year veteran Kellen Schleyer, game day is a highlight he looks forward to every week.

“This league has done so much, for my sport world, but also for my life, it has given me a purpose,” he says.

“I just stuck with it because I’ve gotten better and better and I’ve got to see so many people, get better and better, too.”

The league brings together players of all ages and disabilities to compete in a fast-paced version of Canada’s favourite sport. One designed to be fully accessible for power wheelchair users.

For Artrude Porte, it’s her first season with the OPWHL.

“It’s cool because I got to meet other disabled people that are just as athletic and competitive as I am,” she says.

“It’s like a little family here.”

League Director Louis Fiset says the volunteer-run organization has steadily grown over the years and now stands as one of the largest power wheelchair hockey leagues in the country.

“We have four teams that will play each other every Sunday, each team consists of 7 or 8 players,” Fiset says.

“We’ve got 31 players registered right now, which is a fantastic number for our league to be at.”

While the competition can be fierce, players say it’s less about wins and loses, than it is about community and belonging.

“I love sports, and I would watch my peers and be on the sidelines,” Schleyer says.

“This sport just felt like it gave me confidence in myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to, no matter what challenges I might face.”

The league runs until April with tournaments and a championship later in the season.

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