When Simon Richard steps onto the ice as a member of Canada’s blind hockey team, his aspiration extends beyond personal achievement—he hopes to inspire more countries to invest in this unique sport.
The unveiling of the first half of the national team roster by Canadian Blind Hockey on December 14 marked a significant moment for Richard, a resident of Dieppe, N.B. As preparations for the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament from March 22-24 in Toronto continue, Richard dreams of representing his country and fostering the growth of blind hockey on a global scale.
“It’s always an honor to represent Canada for sure,” shared Richard. “You dream of it as a kid, of course, and you try to play the best you can. And then somehow an opportunity comes to you, and obviously you’re going to take it.”
Luca DeMontis, the general manager of the national team, expressed excitement about collaborating with this group of players, recognizing them as role models in the sport of blind hockey.
For Richard, the upcoming tournament in Toronto serves as crucial preparation for the 2024 International Blind Ice Hockey Series in St. Louis, where Canada aims to defend its title against the U.S. Although currently, the U.S. and Canada are the only countries with national blind hockey teams, Richard sees promising signs of the sport gaining traction globally.
Blind hockey features several adaptations to ensure fair play. The puck is three times larger than a standard puck and contains ball bearings for auditory tracking. Players wear blindfolds to level the playing field, and smaller nets, combined with a passing requirement before shooting, add strategic elements. No hitting is allowed, emphasizing skill and precision.
Navigating the game demands intense focus, particularly in arenas filled with cheering fans. Richard highlighted the unique experience of tracking the puck and communicating with teammates without the ability to see.
Richard, no stranger to representing Canada, previously earned a bronze medal in goalball at the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto. With a background in winning two national championships in Nova Scotia, he emphasizes the transferable skills between goalball and blind hockey, particularly in tracking objects on the ice or in the gym.
Expressing hope for continued global interest, Richard envisions blind hockey making its mark on the grandest stage—the Paralympic Games. He sees the sport’s international success as a catalyst for other countries to start their programs, contributing to the game’s overall growth. Ultimately, Richard and fellow players aspire to witness blind hockey become a Paralympic fixture, marking the pinnacle achievement for this remarkable and inclusive sport.
