Interview With Para Ice Hockey Legend Brad Bowden

Thursday, 3 March 2022 14:36

submitted photo (Justin Taylor photography)

Two time Paralympic gold medalist Brad Bowden breaks down Canada's chances at Para Ice Hockey tournament at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics.

The 2022 Beijing Paralympics officially start on Friday.

Oxford County and most of Canada will be keeping a close eye on the Para ice hockey tournament at the games. Garrett Riley, who is about to move to Woodstock is one of the members of Team Canada.

To tee up the games, Heart FM reached out to Para Ice hockey legend Brad Bowden. Bowden is the only Paralympics athlete to win gold in two different sports in wheelchair basketball and sledge hockey. Bowden had to retire recently due to shoulder issues. He finished his career as one of the most decorated members of Team Canada and was assistant captain for most of his career.

Bowden grew up in Orton Ontario and was born with sacral agenesis, a condition similar to spina bifida. He started playing wheelchair basketball in the early 1990's and started out playing sledge hockey as a goaltender for the Kitchener sidewinders. Bowden has been inducted into the Orangeville Sports Hall of Fame and the new gymnasium at East Garafraxa Public School was named after him. He has also won multiple World Championships and owns bronze and silver medals from the Paralympics. He finished his career with 202 games played for Canada, 122 goals, 188 assists and 310 points.

Heart FM News Director Chris McMillan grew up with Brad and the two attended the same elementary and secondary school. Check out the interview with Bowden as his discusses the following:

- Explaining the game of Para Ice Hockey and how it differs from standup hockey.
- What Canada needs to do to win their first gold medal since 2006.
- Some of the guys he played with who are still on the team.
- Who he thinks is the Para Ice hockey GOAT.
- What Garrett Riley needs to do to earn more ice time throughout the tournament.

Bowden has also agreed to chat with us after every game of this tournament. Check out the interview below: