FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2026
Canadian Hockey Team Back on Top of Podium!
Canadian National Blind Hockey Team wins 2026 International Blind Ice Hockey Series
TORONTO, ON – Canadian Blind Hockey is proud to announce that the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team has captured its 7th consecutive gold medal. Team Canada continued its dominance at the 2026 International Blind Ice Hockey Series, held March 20–22 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto.
In a landmark year for the sport, the 2026 International Blind Ice Hockey Series marked the debut of Team World, joining long-standing rivals Team USA and Team Canada. The expanded international format showcased the rapid global growth of Blind Ice Hockey and elevated the level of competition on the ice as it included players from Canada, USA, UK and Finland.
The Canadian team once again demonstrated Para sport excellence as the athletes showcased incredible skill and execution while dominating the worlds fastest team sport while having 10% vision or less.
“This is a truly special moment for our program and for our country to be able to bring home a gold medal for Canada,” said Luca DeMontis, General Manager of the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team. “To win seven consecutive gold medals is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and heart of this group. Watching these athletes wear the maple leaf and leave everything on the ice fills us with immense pride. They continue to raise the bar for what’s possible in Blind Hockey, and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this gold medal home to Canada.”
Team Canada standouts Jason Yuha from Rosalind, AB and Liam O’Callahan from Edmonton, AB tied to lead the tournament in scoring with 21 points each and were named Tournament All-Stars in the B3 category (10% vision or less). Joining them were teammates Mark DeMontis from Toronto, ON and Simon Richard from Moncton, NB who were named All-Stars in the B2 category (5% vision or less). The All-Star team was rounded out by rookie Marten Orr from Finland (B3), and Team USA goaltender Doug Goist (B1).
Since its inception in 2018, the International Blind Ice Hockey Series has served as the premier international competition for the sport. The introduction of Team World in 2026 represents a major step forward in expanding Blind Hockey globally leading towards the creation of a World Championships for the Para sport.
“This year’s tournament showed exactly how far Blind Hockey has come,” said Matt Morrow, Executive Director of Canadian Blind Hockey. “The addition of Team World in the International Blind Ice Hockey Series showcased the growth of the sport in countries outside of North America and demonstrated there are skilled Blind Ice Hockey players competing around the world. Canada is proud to lead the growth of our Canadian-invented Para sport and support the development of Blind Hockey programs worldwide and work towards a World Championships.”
All games are available to watch on Canadian Blind Hockey’s YouTube.
For more information, and to arrange interviews please contact Canadian Blind Hockey’s Marketing and Communications Manager Mel Carrey melcarrey@blindicehockey.com
The 2026 Canadian National Blind Hockey Team roster includes:
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