Blind Hockey's Back!

World's only Blind Hockey Tournament set to return to Toronto

TORONTO, March 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The 2014 Courage Canada National Blind Hockey Tournament presented by AMI - Accessible Media Inc. gets underway this weekend at Ryerson University's Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens in Toronto, ON. The Honourable Minister of State (Sport), Bal Gosal P.C, M.P. will help lead the opening ceremony and puck drop, kicking off the three day tournament - the only one of its kind in the world - which concludes Sunday with the gold medal game finale.

The Tournament, now in its second year, has grown substantially since last year's successful inaugural event, with 65 men and women from five provinces and one US state who are blind or partially sighted competing for Blind Hockey gold.

Played by athletes with approximately ten percent vision or less, Blind Hockey features an adapted puck that is bigger, slower and makes noise as it travels. The game is played with traditional hockey rules with only a few modifications to assist with game flow and player safety, but remains fundamentally the same great game Canadians love.

Prior to puck drop, Courage Canada Hockey for the Blind will hold its 100^th youth learn-to-skate and try Blind Hockey program. Boys and girls who are blind or partially sighted from across the GTA will take to the ice and develop their Blind Hockey skills, many with hopes of one day participating in the tournament themselves.

Spectators can catch the action March 21, 22 and 23 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens). Admission is free, donations are accepted in support of Courage Canada's Blind Hockey programming.

WHO:	The Honourable Minister of State (Sport), Bal Gosal, P.C, M.P.
	Mark DeMontis, Founder of Courage Canada & Blind Hockey player
	David Errington, President & CEO, AMI - Accessible Media Inc.
	Opening ceremony photo opportunity, VIP reception and Q&A
WHEN:	Friday, March 21, 2014
	1:45 PM. SHARP
WHERE:	Mattamy Athletic Centre at the Gardens
	Corner of Church & Carlton Streets
	Toronto, ON

For more information, please visit www.couragecanada.ca/2014-tournament

About Courage Canada:
Courage Canada Hockey for the Blind is a national registered charity that leads the development of the sport of Blind Hockey and provides children and youth with the opportunity to learn to skate and try Blind Hockey. Courage Canada youth programs have positively impacted the lives of over 500 students across seven provinces and territories.

SOURCE: Courage Canada - Hockey for the Blind Inc.

To confirm attendance and/or to book a one-on-one interview, please contact:

Nick Beatty
Communications Director, Courage Canada
C : 778-877-0687
E : [email protected]