An adaptation of the game of hockey, Volt Hockey is played three versus three, on a court in specially designed power chairs that are battery operated and controlled with a joystick. The modified version of the game allows for participants with limited upper mobility, to play hockey.
“To play Volt Hockey you only need to have some hand function to operate the chairs, just like a typical power chair,” said Jacey Gamroth, Volt Hockey Program Coordinator. “It’s great for individuals with CP, muscular dystrophy, or higher spinal cord injuries.”
Operating in Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray, each community has nine power chairs, allowing for over 100 individuals of all ages, across the province, to try Volt Hockey throughout the last year.
“Volt Hockey is very inclusive as it puts everyone on an even playing field. Even someone who’s not living with a disability and is an able-bodied person can come out to play,” said Gamroth.
There are three seasons that run throughout the year, September-December, January-April and May-June. During the summer months, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta holds “Try-it” days and camps for participants.
For the second year in a row, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta is taking a team to the World Cup in Sweden. In 2022, Alberta and Ontario represented Canada at the first ever Volt Hockey World Cup in Sweden. The 2023 tournament takes place September 15-17 in Gävle, Sweden.
