The 2025 Para Cup in Dawson Creek gets underway on Sunday, and Team Canada captain Tyler McGregor says his team is extremely confident heading into the tournament.
“As excited as we are to engage with the community, we’re here to win a gold medal on home ice,” he said.
Canada opens the tournament against China Sunday afternoon, while the United States takes on Czechia later in the day.
Last year, McGregor led his team to its first World Para Ice Hockey Championship title in seven years.
McGregor says the tournament is the perfect opportunity to get ready for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games in March.
“One of the best things about this week is having the top four countries in the world here, but our expectation is to win, especially since we’re only three and a half months away from the Paralympics,” McGregor said.
For McGregor, the Para Cup is more than just a tournament, it’s a chance to make a difference in a smaller community like Dawson Creek.
“One of the things we love most, besides competing, is engaging and having the opportunity to impact communities,” McGregor said.
He says his goal is not only to get more people involved in the sport, but also to raise awareness about the opportunities available for people living with a physical disability.
“We have the opportunity to do a number of try-sled events, where various community members can try to get in a sled, whether it’s for the first time or not, and showcase our sport,” he explained.
Back in 2009, McGregor fractured his tibia and fibula during a hockey game. He was 15 at the time and an OHL prospect.
He says he developed a mass near the fracture during the recovery process, which doctors later found was cancerous.
“I was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a form of soft-tissue bone cancer, and had my leg amputated above the knee,” McGregor said.
He says para hockey allowed him to continue competing in the sports he loves.
McGregor encourages anyone who’s navigating similar challenges not to hesitate to get on the ice in a different way.
“I would encourage the community to come out and see our sport, and see it live for the first time,” he said.
To see the full tournament schedule, visit the 2025 Para Cup website.