Rink 3 at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre in Belle River looked familiar Monday – the same boards, the same ice – but the stakes were anything but routine. Four members of Canada’s men’s para hockey team came together for what they say was their final practice as a southwestern Ontario cohort before the road to the Paralympic Games takes over. Kingsville goaltender Corbin Watson, Essex’s Zach Lavin, Forest’s Tyler McGregor and Wallacetown’s James Dunn took the ice knowing the next phase comes quickly: a move to Toronto to rejoin the full 17-man national team, followed by departure for Italy on Feb. 20. The Paralympics open March 6. Monday’s practice wasn’t about introductions or systems – it was about sharpening details, setting habits and sharing one last stretch of preparation on familiar ice. For Lavin, being able to train in Essex County before leaving was something he didn’t take for granted. “I’m just a proud Essex boy,” he said. “I’m happy to be living here and training with the local southern Ontario guys. I’m just really excited for the games.” This won’t be Lavin’s first trip to the Paralympic stage. He’s coming off a silver medal performance at the 2022 Games in Beijing – with McGregor and Dunn on the team that year, too. The latter two, along with Watson, previously captured silver at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang. McGregor and Watson also bring bronze medals from the 2014 Games in Sochi. Watson said keeping his routine tied to Kingsville helps him stay centered as the spotlight grows. “I still play games in men’s leagues in Kingsville and I enjoy it so much,” he said. “And then going to the Paralympics and playing games that I’m going to enjoy the same amount – it’s just going to be so much fun.” Dunn said the closeness of the group was evident through practices. “Our team is so close – pretty much like brothers,” he said. “We’re together so much, especially this year.” He added that representing Canada is something he once watched from afar – sometimes still surprised to remember he’s living out a dream. “I remember watching Sidney Crosby score the golden goal,” Dunn said. “I always dreamed of one day being able to represent Canada.” The four will now fold back into the national program, carrying a final stretch of home-ice work with them as preparations ramp up overseas – a small but meaningful chapter closed before the Games begin. CTV News Windsor will feature in-depth profiles of all four players as the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina approach.
