Send The Lake Raiders to N.A.P.H.C 2014

The Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) is a non-profit organization that operates solely on individual and corporate donations. All members are volunteers including coaches, game officials and board members. Hockey is the soul of all Canadians. We talk endlessly about the game, go to games, watch it on TV, play it on the streets with our friends, our brothers, sisters, dads, everyone deserves a chance to play their favourite sport. The TPWHL gives this opportunity to wheelchair bound players and is committed to providing a quality hockey programme which does not discriminate players on the basis of sex, age, race, colour, national or ethnic origin. The TPWHL is for players of various disabilities who have limited upper body strength or mobility and require adaptive equipment that is modified individually for them in order to play the game. Power hockey is unique, and is played on a gym floor with a wiffle ball following the same rules as ice hockey with additional equipment related rules, but otherwise it is the same. All kids want the right to participate in all sports; unfortunately those with physical disabilities are all too often denied the chance to participate in most sports. Our unique program allows players to experience the feeling of being a valued contributor member of a team as well as a sense of accomplishment. Physically disabled players are assets to the TPWHL and we encourage and promote barrier free equality in play.

Summary of Event:
Every 2nd year 8 to 10 teams from Canada and the United States compete in the North American "POWER HOCKEY CUP" Tournament. This coming July the Toronto Lake Raiders, representing the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) will take an elite team of 9 athletes to compete in Minnesota for the Power Hockey Cup. The team will consist of 9 veteran and rookie players (male/female) from the ages of 18 to 35. The TPWHL will bring 2 coaches with combined experiences of over 25 years in electric wheelchair hockey as well as 8 attendant/volunteers who will assist players with their personal care. Players will be housed in local hotels in the Minneapolis/ Saint Paul areas, the duration of the tournament is 5 days July 20 to July 25, and all players will participate in opening and closing ceremonies followed by a banquet. The event will take place at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium (www.theroy.org) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. There are no fees for the players as many are on a fixed income ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) and it would be impossible to afford such a trip, never-mind the additional cost of hiring attendant staff for personal care. All expenses including, uniforms, airfare, travel to & from airportsevents, food, accommodations and tournament fees will be paid for by the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL). The league's main objective is to bring the Gold Medal and Power Hockey Cup to Toronto, help make this dream possible.