CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced Monday that Leduc, Alta., will host the 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, Feb. 1-7 at the Leduc Recreation Centre. Canada’s National Sledge Team will be joined by Russia, South Korea and the United States at the tournament.

Canada was gold medallist at the 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Toronto, Ont., beating the United States 3-1 in the gold medal game. Overall, Canada has won five gold medals in seven tries at the tournament, while never finishing worse than silver.

“We’re looking forward to bringing Canada’s National Sledge Team to Leduc for one of the highlights of the sledge hockey season,” said Scott Salmond, vice-president of hockey operations and national teams for Hockey Canada. “Alberta fans have always had a passion for sledge hockey, and we’re excited to get on the ice, defend the gold medal and continue to prepare for the 2015 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship.”

“The City of Leduc is honoured to be the host city for the 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge,” said Mayor Greg Krischke. “We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our community and demonstrate the importance of building accessible facilities for the benefit of all.”

The tournament begins Feb. 1 with two games; Russia takes on the United States and Canada meets South Korea. Semifinals are set for Thursday, Feb. 5, with the gold medal game and bronze medal game scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7.

Fans will be able to follow the 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge via webcast thanks to Hockey Canada and FASTHockey. All games, except for the gold medal game, will be available through the game summary pages at www.hockeycanada.ca/wshc.

The gold medal game will be shown on TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada. Check local listings for broadcast times in your area.

For more information on the 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/wshc, or follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/worldsledge and www.twitter.com/hc_wshc.