| Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to announce that Luca DeMontis has been promoted to the role of Program Director. In his new position he will be responsible for the implementation and management of Canadian Blind Hockey programs across the country, and working with the local Program Coordinators to effectively deliver quality Blind Hockey programming coast-to-coast.
“Luca joined the staff of Canadian Blind Hockey in October of 2018 and has done a wonderful job in the role of Program Manager for the past five seasons,” said Executive Director Matt Morrow. “During this time Canadian Blind Hockey has grown significantly, and we have plans to grow even further in the upcoming 2024 – 25 season. We will be hiring a team of local CBH Program Coordinators to effectively deliver and standardize Canadian Blind Hockey programs across the country, and Luca’s passion for Blind Hockey and expertise in running the Jr Ice Owls for the past 5-years makes him the perfect candidate to lead this team in his new role as Program Director.”
This month’s Blind Hockey Spotlight is going to shine the light on our Program Director Luca DeMontis:
1) How did you become involved in Canadian Blind Hockey?
I’ve always had a passion of working in sport, always wanted to be involved in all sides of it from the professional side, to the amateur side and now I’m fortunate to be part of the charitable side. My brother Mark DeMontis founded Courage Canada in 2009 which evolved to become Canadian Blind Hockey. Since day 1 I was there to help, not only Mark but this community in any way possible. It was then that I saw the passion and dedication amongst these courageous athletes that I knew I wanted to be involved, in this organization in a full time capacity, so I felt very fortunate when Executive Director Matt Morrow and the Board of Directors offered me a full-time position within the organization and I am now entering my 6th year. For years prior to me officially joining the team, I was a volunteer attending Try Blind Hockey events, Learn-to-skate programs, regional tournaments and the National tournament. All while working full-time in sport, from my time with the Toronto Raptors to a position with the Pan Am Games.
2) What are you most excited for this upcoming season? What’s the big news?
I’m super excited to announce that Canadian Blind Hockey will be launching 6 new programs across Canada! This is a targeted goal to bring more children, youth and adults who are blind or partially-sighted on the ice to learn how to skate and to play our Para sport of Blind Hockey. Launching programs in these communities is no easy task, however through dedicated champions, passionate participants and a strong team, we will be able to achieve this goal. Canadian Blind Hockey is dedicated to helping any child, youth or adult who is blind or partially sighted achieve their dreams of developing from the pond to the podium and sharing their love for the Para sport of Blind Hockey.
NEW THIS SEASON:
Vancouver Jr. Eclipse
Montreal Jr. Hiboux
Ottawa adult
Regina All Ages
London All Ages
Winnipeg All Ages
3) Where would you love to see a Blind Hockey program if you could choose one more place? If we could choose one more place to help grow Blind Hockey, it would be to look outside our country and bring a new country on board this year. We’ve been in conversations with Korea and Italy, it would be great to have our puck touch down in a new country. This shows the dedication of the team here in Canada . As world leaders in Blind Hockey, we’re dedicated to helping any new country that is interested in creating opportunities for children, youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted to play the Para sport of Blind Hockey.
4) What’s a country you’d personally like to bring Blind Hockey to? I’ve been very fortunate to have traveled to Moscow, Russia and Finland to help grow Blind Hockey. I’d like to target Italy, due to my parent’s roots. They immigrated to Canada so I think going back to their homeland to bring a Para sport that my brother and I are so passionate about would definitely be a full circle moment.
5) What’s your fav meal after a good game of hockey: I want to say Mcdonald’s, maybe they will help us out one day. Before a game it’s pasta and chicken, after game sometimes I want 3 subs because I just burned a bunch of calories.
6)What are you doing when you’re not on the road with Blind Hockey programs? I’m enjoying quality time with my family, my daughter is 1 now and she keeps us busy! It’s a lot of fun hanging out with her and watching her grow. When I’m not at the rink, it takes my mind off of the rink. I think it’s important to step away from the ice when you can, it’s good for your mental health.
7) What would you say to a youth or adult who is hesitant to try Blind Hockey?
Never give up on your dreams no matter what they are. Always try looking outside of the box to find new dreams. I think it’s important to be part of a team. The skills that one can learn from this game can help them through many stages of their life. Just buy stepping on the ice you are already defying the odds and beating the challenge of people telling you that you cannot participate, when we will prove to you that you can indeed participate.
Our goal is to get every child, youth and adult who is blind or partially-sighted off the bench and into the game. |
