Shriners Children's Patients Take Part in the National Para Hockey Championship

At Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada, providing the best care isn’t just a slogan, it’s a reality. Offering the best care also means empowering our young patients with self-confidence, teaching them how to overcome obstacles, and helping them reach their full potential despite the challenges they face.

That’s why the hospital proudly sponsored the 2025 National Para Hockey Championship, held in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, in May. Among the seven competing teams, many included current or former patients – five on Team Atlantic and six on Team Quebec. As 2025 marks our centennial year, the tournament was the perfect opportunity to reconnect and see how far the patients have come. Over the course of more than 20 games, it was nothing short of inspiring to watch them glide across the ice with such agility, determination and grace.

We also met several families who hold the hospital dear – whether through cherished memories or because the care they are currently receiving has exceeded their expectations.

One of those patients is Owen. He lives with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a condition that causes malformation in his legs. He has already undergone two major surgeries and is scheduled for another one this year to fully straighten his legs. Because his condition is congenital, his progression is unpredictable – which is why the hospital staff continues to monitor him closely. It’s easy to understand why being part of a para hockey team for the past three years has brought him so much joy. And Owen plans to keep playing for many more!

We also reconnected with Saoud, who lives with arthrogryposis and has very limited mobility in his legs. In 2018, the hospital launched the #CutTheBull campaign to raise awareness about bullying, which affects many of our patients who have disabilities. During his treatment, Saoud became one of the campaign’s spokespeople. Shy and younger at the time, this opportunity gave him his first experience as a communicator:

• Giving talks in schools to speak out against bullying and share his personal story 
• Appearing in videos and photo campaigns 
• Participating in media interviews 

His self-confidence skyrocketed:  “I kept that same energy from back then – that drive to raise awareness about bullying. Today, I still give talks through various associations across Canada, at day camps and in adaptive sports programs. #CutTheBull was a powerful learning experience and helped me get through it all. This hospital means so much to me – I’m grateful for all the support you’ve given me, and that you continue to give.”

This para hockey championship was more than just a competition. It was a celebration of resilience, passion, and the strength of young patients who, thanks to the care they’ve received, push their limits every single day. What a joy it was to see them shine – both on the ice and in life.