Canadian Blind Hockey Post in Memory of Joseph Del Grande
Canadian Blind Hockey is mourning the passing of Blind Hockey legend Joseph Del Grande while celebrating his incredible legacy both on and off the ice. With his trademark ZZ Top-inspired beard, ponytail, and kind demeanour – Joseph was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Joseph discovered Blind Hockey at a critical time for the sport – during the first-ever Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament in 2013 – and has been a fixture ever since bringing unrelenting positive energy and good vibes. He was always the first to share a compliment, a word of encouragement, or a gracious thank you to coaches, volunteers, organizers, bus drivers, servers, and absolutely anyone who was part of the Blind Hockey experience in any way.
He welcomed new members into the Blind Hockey community with friendly open arms, treated everyone with the utmost respect, and his infectious positive attitude played a key role in shaping Canadian Blind Hockey into the amazing community it is today.
Joseph was a pioneer in the Para sport over the past 14 seasons and his name it etched in Blind Hockey history: he played in the first Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament, was selected to represent Canada as a member of the first-ever Canadian National Blind Hockey Team and competed in the first-ever BHL Carnegie Cup.
His Blind Hockey career achievements include three International Blind Ice Hockey Series gold medals (Pittsburgh 2018, Ottawa 2019, St Louis 2024) and a Carnegie Cup Championship (Toronto 2023). He was a proud member of both the Toronto Ice Owls and Canadian National Blind Hockey Team programs.
Blind Hockey was truly a family affair for Joseph as he recruited his sons Joel-Anthony and Wade to volunteer with both the Ice Owls and Canadian Blind Hockey over the past decade. The Del Grande’s routinely won best dressed at the Canadian National Blind Hockey Tournament and have has always had the largest and loudest cheering section.
“He was the definition of a glue guy and a room guy. Every single teammate he ever played with had nothing but amazing things to say about him” said Luca DeMontis, GM of the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team.
Joseph Del Grande – or “Skippy” as he was affectionately known to his teammates – will be remembered on the ice as one of the best B2 players in history, and off the ice as one of the best teammates ever and greatest ambassadors for what a hockey player should be.
Always #5 in the program, forever #1 in our hearts – thanks for the great memories Joseph, rest easy friend and as always “rock out!”
