17 players named to Canada’s para hockey team for Paralympic Games in Italy

The 2026 Paralympic Games will be held from March 6 to 15 in Italy, and on Tuesday, Canada's 17-athlete para hockey team was named.

Auren Halbert is one of five players who will make their Paralympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.

The 23-year-old from Calgary says this is a dream come true.

“It means everything,” said Halbert.

“I feel like this is the pinnacle of everything I’ve been dreaming of for my entire life. I had a goal since the age I started playing hockey to make it to this level and it’s just really incredible to be able to show myself on a world stage like this.”

Veteran back for one more

Greg Westlake is the veteran on the team.

The 39-year-old is going to his sixth Paralympic Games and says he’s going to enjoy every minute of it.

“I’m really proud right now and just happy to go on this journey with my teammates and my brothers,” said Westlake.

“There were so many times throughout the summer and even this year where I didn’t know if I could do it. I didn’t know if my body could hold up. I didn’t know if I’d get through this year and to this point. Every time I felt that way, one of my brothers was there to pick me up and give me support and encourage me to keep pushing.”

Going for gold

Tyler McGregor is the captain of Team Canada, and he believes this team has the right mindset to bring home gold.

“It just feels different,” said the 31-year-old.

“There’s something special about this group that we have in this locker room. We’re willing to do whatever it takes for each other. We love and care about each other, and we know that when the time comes, we’ll be ready.”

The Paralympic Games run from March 6 to 15.