CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s top sledge hockey talent is headed to Calgary on their journey to being selected to represent the nation at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games next March.

Hockey Canada has invited 29 players to attend its September Showcase and selection camp at the Markin MacPhail Centre, Sept. 2-9, 2017.

“This is a very exciting time for our program as we officially kick off our Paralympic season with a strong group of talented prospects to evaluate during this upcoming camp,” said head coach Ken Babey (Saskatoon, Sask.). “We’re adding to the competitive atmosphere at the selection camp by hosting the Korean team which will suit up for some games that will give us that additional element for our evaluation of the Canadian players – watching them perform in an international game situation. The players and coaching staff are ready – we’ve already completed two regional camps as well as regular fitness testing, and it’s now time for these world-class athletes to show us what they’ve got.”

A 20-player roster will be selected at the conclusion of the September Showcase and the evaluation process will continue as the roster is pared down to the 17 players who will be selected to go for gold for their country at the Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, next March.

Babey led the identification process for the 29-player talent pool invited to the September Showcase and selection camp, with input from Hockey Canada’s management group and coaches who worked with the national and development teams throughout last season. He will also lead the selection process for the 17 players who will wear the red-and-white in PyeongChang.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Sledge Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Sledge.