In less than two months, Moose Jaw will welcome the world, as the city will play host to the 2023 World Para Ice Hockey Championship from May 28 to June 3.  

To make things even more special this will be the first time ever that Canada will host a world championship calibre para ice hockey event, making Moose Jaw the inaugural location.  

Canada will be joined by the United States, Czechia, Korea, Germany, China, Italy, and Norway, who all will embark on the Moose Jaw Events Centre for the world championship event.  

Ryan MacIvor, the Moose Jaw Events Centre’s general manager says that this tournament is a watershed moment for the community.  

“It could even be a once-in-generational opportunity for Moose Jaw,” says MacIvor. “This event is of international calibre. This is something that is really special to Canada, Saskatchewan, and our community of Moose Jaw.” 

The World Para Hockey organizing body was unable to find a host city for the 2023 championships, but then partnered with Hockey Canada to help them find the perfect host city.    

Marshall Starkman, the manager of Para Hockey says that Moose Jaw’s bid was all in to host the event, which was no surprise.  

“About three years ago, Barry Reynard – one of our former board members, introduced me to Ryan MacIvor, who was anxious to bring Para Hockey to the Moose Jaw Events Centre,” explains Starkman. “Low and behold here we are three years later and couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to showcase para hockey on the world stage right here in Moose Jaw.” 

It’s one thing to get awarded the bid for this world tournament, it’s another thing to convert the facility’s accessibility features.  

Starkman explains that there is a long list of transitions that need to be completed leading up to the event.  

“Changing out the boards and installing clear glass on the benches and in the penalty boxes. Changing out the entrances onto the ice making sure there is no lip and the athletes can get on and off the ice with ease. Putting in synthetic ice on the benches and in all of the runways onto the ice.” 

The conversation of the arena to make it sledge-ready will benefit the event’s centre in the future, allowing them to host other para-sport events.  

“Hockey Canada has a world invitational event that opens doors. I think you’ll see the para-national team, once they have their experience here, come back for training opportunities because it’s close to Calgary. It increases the exposure of the accessibility,” says MacIvor.  

Team Canada will be a part of Group A, which includes the United States, Czechia, and Korea. In Group B it will be China, Germany, Italy, and Norway battling it out for the two quarterfinal spots.  

Canada’s captain Tyler McGregor will be looking for the country's fifth world championship. Canada's previous gold medals were in 2000, 2008, 2013, and most recently in 2017.  

“We’re excited to have the opportunity at a tournament of this magnitude to compete on home ice and in front of our family and friends and some of the most passionate hockey fans here in Saskatchewan,” explains McGregor.  

The boys in red and white will kick off their world tournament on May 29 against Korea at 7:00 p.m. and a rematch of the gold medal game at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games with Canada and the United States on May 31 at 7 p.m. MT.   

The preliminary-round schedule is highlighted by the first game of the tournament between Czechia and Korea at 11:00 a.m. 

All 20 games, including the gold medal game on June 4 at 7 p.m. MT, will be played at Moose Jaw Events Centre.  

Tickets for the 2023 World Para Ice Hockey Championship are on sale to the public and can be purchased at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, starting as low as $15.