The 34-year old native of Vineland, Ont., was named to Canada’s National Sledge Team in 2010 and ends his career with 64 points (30 goals, 34 assists) in 79 games played. His 30 goals are ranked seventh all-time, and he is tied for ninth in assists and sixth overall in points.

“Sledge hockey gave me an opportunity to help rebuild my life, and I am forever grateful for that,” said Rempel. “I absolutely love this sport. Not only was it an honour to play for Canada, I’m proud to have made so many great friends in the disabled community. Today, my focus is on helping grow the sport for others through the Sledge Hockey Experience, a program designed to educate people about disabilities, diversity, and inclusion.”

Aimed at the corporate team-building market, Rempel’s Sledge Hockey Experience allows hockey enthusiasts and corporate leaders to experience sledge hockey – a game that allows participants to break out of their comfort zone, learn to develop resilience, build communication and trust, and is inclusive – with the special touches that Rempel experienced as a national team athlete, from the bus ride to the rink to custom jerseys, name bars, and even hockey cards.

“Sledge hockey eliminates all barriers, so everyone can play,” said Rempel of the initiative.

Rempel represented Canada on the international stage winning Paralympic bronze in Sochi (2014), as well as competing in two IPC Sledge Hockey World Championships, winning bronze (2012) and gold (2013). He also played in five World Sledge Hockey Challenges, winning three gold medals (April and Nov. 2011, 2013), silver (2012) and bronze (2015).

After playing able-bodied hockey, a spinal cord injury after a motocross accident in 2006 led Rempel to the sport of sledge hockey in 2008 when he began playing with the Niagara Thunderblades. Two years later he won gold at the Ontario ParaSport Winter Games before joining the national team.

“Kevin represented Canada with pride as a member of our National Sledge Team, and demonstrated great commitment to his work within the community to inspire others to perservere,” said Shawn Bullock, Hockey Canada’s senior manager of hockey operations and men’s national teams. “We wish Kevin well and we know his passion for helping others in overcoming odds and being an ambassador for the sport will continue in his future endeavours.”

For more information on the Hockey Canada and Canada’s sledge hockey programs, visitHockeyCanada.ca and follow along via social media at Facebook and Twitter.