Bell Capital Cup debuts sledge hockey division for children with disabilities

The Bell Capital Cup entered its halfway point on Sunday and the long-running tournament continues to make history.

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For the first time in its 24 years, four teams took to the ice to play sledge hockey. The teams include kids aged 3 to 17-years-old with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Last year, sledge hockey was introduced with a team from Quebec and Ottawa taking part in a demonstration game. This year, they're joined by teams from Kingston and Hamilton, giving them a full division.

"They are playing to win their championship, just like all the other kids that are playing in this same tournament," said Bell Capital Cup general manager Mark Sluban.

"We're very inclusive here at the Bell Cup, it's something I thought was very important for us to strive for and we're only going to make that bigger and better for years to come."

Tyrone Henry was in attendance to watch the first games played. Henry has spent a decade as a member of the Canadian National Sledge Hockey Team.

"Having the kids play on a big rink with a bunch of fans in the stands, I think it gives them a bit of pride in playing the sport and what they're doing." Henry said.

Sledge Hockey Eastern Ontario president Mia Van Bommel added, "We're pretty welcoming and we do group people in larger groups so that we have enough athletes to play."

"We really want to showcase the talent of our athletes and really introduce the Ottawa community and the greater community to the sport that we love."

The semi-finals will be played on Monday with the finals set for New Years Eve at the Bell Sensplex.