Students from Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and Prairie South School Division (PSSD) had the opportunity to take in games last week at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

PSSD Director of Education Ryan Boughen said that a partnership with Hockey Canada allowed students to attend the games.

Over three days of competition, more than 1,000 students were in the stands to cheer on the teams. About 500 students watched games on Monday, while 375 students attended games each day on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

“There's probably not a lot of people who have seen para hockey, and I mean it's quite impressive if you have a chance to watch it. There's quite a bit of skill involved. I think anytime you can surround students with high-level performing athletes, there are lots to be learned,” said Prairie South School Division Director of Education Ryan Boughen. 

As part of the partnership, members of Team Canada visited four local schools to give presentations in the days before the tournament.  

Presentations were given at Empire School, Lindale School (with Avonlea School), Sunningdale School (with Eyebrow School) and Peacock Collegiate. 

“Some of these athletes have had some pretty unfortunate life challenges and they've really turned it into opportunity and did something with it and have shared that message of resiliency and determination. It’s a pretty powerful message to not only hear but to see,” Boughen said. 

Boughen added that the students really enjoyed the experience and thanked Hockey Canada for working with the school division to make it happen.

- with files from Cory Knutt / Discover Moose Jaw