GB Para Ice Hockey International Competitions

Hi I'm Stace, I've been a self-funding para athlete since 2013 competing for Great Britain in Sitting Volleyball and more recently, Para Ice Hockey.

Having injured my knee in the Army in 2007 whilst serving as a Combat Medical Technician, I fought for years to 'get back to normal', though ended up having my leg amputated above knee in 2014 and lost my career in 2015. Since returning to civilian life after an 11 year military career, I have juggled my GB sporting responsibilities (and leadership roles within both sports) alongside 3 degrees and a full-time job within the NHS.

The loss of my Army career left me feeling lost for many years....though Para Ice Hockey filled a huge gap, helping me to once again feel connected to others and offered a camaraderie similar to that I experienced in the military. This sport has been a game changer for my physical and mental wellbeing!

2022 has been an exciting year for the sports development, particularly in relation to growth within the womens game. Although Para Ice Hockey is technically a co-ed sport, this has generally been in name only. Only 3 women in the world have ever competed at a Paralympic event.

In August 2022 Great Britain's womens team played a part in making history in Wisconsin (USA) as we went up against the best in the world - the USA and Canada in the first 'Womens World Challenge'. Our aim is to eventually have a level playing field and a separate womens category in future Paralympics.

As result of my performance in the USA and having been invited to train with the GB mens team for the past year, I have been selected to compete in Thailand this December for

GB Para Ice Hockey....typically referred to as our 'mens team' ..... because no woman has ever competed for GB! This competition will see a total of 4 women representing GB in Pool C with view to support the team to gain promotion into Pool B and give GB a fighting chance at getting to the 2026 Paralympics.

After this competition I will be representing GB women once again in Canada this January 2023.

As you can imagine being a self-funded athlete means the costs for camps, international travel, kit, insurance, fuel etc adds up....so if you are by any chance in a position to donate, I would be tremendously grateful

Thank you for taking the time to read this. All funds donated will go towards my Para Ice Hockey journey