Led by veteran forwards Greg Westlake and Brad Bowden, the Canadian team has named eight returners from the team that failed to medal on home ice in 2010, with just one change from the team that took gold at the 2013 World Ice Sledge Hockey Championships in Goyang, South Korea.

"Hockey Canada is very proud of the players and staff nominated for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games," said Bob Nicholson, President and chief executive of Hockey Canada.

"The Paralympics is the biggest stage for sledge hockey in the world and I know our athletes will play their best and make Canadians proud."

The team has come a long way since its disappointing performance in Vancouver four years ago, winning gold at the 2013 World Championships, World Ice Sledge Hockey Challenge and Four Nations test event, to reaffirm their position atop the ice sledge hockey circuit.

Greg Westlake and Brad Bowden will both be competing for the Canadian ice sledge hockey team at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images



Of the 17 players selected for the squad, three were born in the 1990s highlighting head coach Mike Mondin's emphasis on youth and speed within the team.

One of those three players is Anthony Gale, the 20-year-old forward who will be playing in his first ever Winter Paralympic Games.

"This has always been a dream of mine and its always something that I've wanted," he said.

"Ever since I found out about sledge hockey and found out it was a Paralympic sport, it's always been a goal of mine to push myself to make this team and I'm just so happy it's come true."

Anthony Gale is among three players in the Canadian squad born in the 1990s as the team looks for youth and speed to drive them to Paralympic gold ©Getty Images


Gale set up three-time Paralympian Graeme Murray for the winning goal in the World Championships in April last year and will likely continue the rotational role he played in the Ice Sledge Hockey Challenge alongside fellow youngsters Tyler McGregor, Ben Delaney and Karl Ludwig.

The Canadian team will head to Calgary next week to resume their training schedule before leaving on February 27 for Sochi.

They are due begin their Paralympic title challenge against Sweden on March 8 and will be hoping to return to winning ways at the biggest event in the Parasport calendar.

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