Tim Dool says “seeing is believing.”
That’s how Dool describes Para Hockey, and that’s why it’s no surprise the Niagara native is the Chair of the organizing committee for this week’s Canadian Para Hockey Championship in Port Colborne.
“My love for the sport began two and a half years ago,” Dool said when he joined the Niagara Sports Report on Newstalk 610 CKTB.
“That’s when I met Mr. Paul Rylett, the founder of the Niagara Thunderblades, a local sledge hockey team”
Sledge hockey as it was formerly known is now called Para Hockey.
Dool’s connection with the Thunderblades led to his chairmanship for the championships.
2024 was Ontario’s turn to host, and that’s when Dool approached the Brock Niagara Penguins.
“I brought it to their (Niagara Penguins) attention, and we kind of worked on it, and ended up getting the championship here in Port Colborne.
Round robin play begins Thursday morning and runs until championship Sunday.
“The first game is a repeat of last year’s championship game between defending champion Quebec and Alberta. We’ll have six round robin games that day, six more games Friday including a real highlight game between Ontario and Alberta at 7:30 pm.
The tournament committee has reached out to local area schools in Port Colborne and Welland for the day games where hundreds of children will be cheering on these athletes.
Dool was also quick to mention Niagara College’s involvement as all 18 games of the tournament will be live streamed by the Niagara College Broadcasting Department, while other current students at Niagara will provide massage therapy for the players.
Seven teams from across Canada are guaranteed a minimum of four games each.
Teams in Group A include Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, while Group B features Manitoba, New Brunswick and Quebec Development.
Saturday will feature the playoffs, with Sunday being the bronze and gold medal games.
“People have to come out and see it,” said Dool. “The play at which these players play at this level, I think will surprise most. The stickhandling, the passing, the shooting is unbelievable
The physicality is something to behold.”
And if that isn’t appealing enough, Dool adds all games are free to attend.
For more information visit: https://www.24nphc.ca/
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
