What happens when hockey legends, fans, and rising stars all come together to try sledge hockey for a good cause? You get laughs, spills, heartwarming moments, and a fresh appreciation for what real determination looks like. That’s what unfolded at the “Come to Sleigh” event at Toronto’s Scotiabank Pond, organized by the Shine Foundation to support young athletes with disabilities.
Sharing the Ice With Legends
As I waited for my turn to get on the ice, I found myself between two Toronto Maple Leafs legends — Darcy Tucker and Wendel Clark. Despite the serious hockey resumes beside me, we were all equally unprepared for what was coming. Sledge hockey, as it turns out, is much tougher than it looks.
We strapped into our sleds and rolled onto the ice alongside other well-known names, including Olympic gold medallist Geraldine Heaney and three-time Stanley Cup champion Mike Krushelnyski. But even the pros quickly discovered how challenging it is to balance, turn, and move in a sledge.
Learning from the Pros
Thankfully, two actual sledge hockey experts, Kevin Rempel and Chadd Stoppa, were there to guide us. Kevin, a former national team player, patiently showed us how to balance, shoot, and even how to fall — and get back up again. It wasn’t easy, and we were all sore by the end, but it was eye-opening.
Kevin’s story added even more meaning to the day. After a motocross accident in 2006 left him with incomplete paraplegia, he defied medical expectations and not only learned to walk again but also represented Canada internationally in sledge hockey.
A Rising Star in the Making: Chadd Stoppa
Among the stars of the event was 17-year-old Chadd Stoppa, who lives with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and Type 1 diabetes. Despite all this, he is now part of Team Canada’s development squad and dreams of wearing the maple leaf at the Paralympics.
Chadd was first introduced to the sport in kindergarten. Since then, he and his family have driven thousands of kilometres every season just so he can play. Whether it’s long trips from Barry’s Bay to Windsor or practices at their farm pond, Chadd’s parents, Adam and Anita, have supported him every step of the way. His brother Eli, who helps on the family farm, also plays hockey.
For the Stoppas, hockey is more than just a sport — it’s a family mission. From renting ice time at home to late-night drives across Ontario, their commitment reflects just how much belief and love can accomplish.
Georgia’s Story: Power On and Off the Ice
Another amazing participant was 28-year-old Georgia Beauchemin, who has cerebral palsy. Adopted from Georgia in Eastern Europe, she now studies disability policy at Toronto Metropolitan University. Georgia is not just passionate about hockey — she also swims and rides horses. Her dream is to help make the world more inclusive for people with disabilities.
The Games Begin
As the tournament started, the fun reached another level. While Team Clark and Team Tucker/Osmak provided laughs and friendly rivalry, it was the competitive spirit of Team Rempel and Team Heaney/Krushelnyski that brought intensity to the rink.
Kevin and Chadd went head-to-head, trading goals until Kevin scored the winning goal in the final minute. The energy was electric, and even the former pros cheered them on.
By the end of the day, I walked away sore but deeply inspired. What I thought would be just a fun celebrity charity event turned out to be a powerful reminder of the strength and courage that exists in adaptive sport. Kevin, Chadd, Georgia — and their families — are real-life role models.
