Our Story
A Legacy of Excellence
Celebrating decades of Deaf hockey heritage and the pursuit of international glory.
Celebrating decades of Deaf hockey heritage and the pursuit of international glory.
"To empower elite Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes through high-performance hockey, representing Canada on the world stage with excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of international podium success."
We are committed to creating pathways for Deaf and Hard of Hearing hockey players to reach their full potential and proudly wear the maple leaf in international competition.
To be recognized as a world leader in Deaf hockey development, consistently achieving podium finishes at the Deaflympics while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
We envision a future where Deaf hockey athletes have equal access to elite training, resources, and opportunities to represent Canada with pride and achieve international success.
50+ years of representing Canada on the international stage
Ice hockey has been a Deaflympic sport since 1975, when it debuted as a demonstration sport at Lake Placid, USA. Since then, Canada has been a consistent competitor on the world stage, facing top Deaf hockey nations including the United States, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Kazakhstan.
Ice hockey became an official medal sport at the 1991 Winter Deaflympics in Banff, Canada—marking the first time Canada hosted the Winter Deaflympics and a historic moment for Canadian Deaf hockey.
Ice hockey debuts as a demonstration sport at the Winter Deaflympics. Canada participates with 23 male athletes, helping establish the foundation for international Deaf hockey competition.
Note: Demonstration sport, no medals awarded
Historic home games! Canada hosts the Winter Deaflympics for the first time, with ice hockey recognized as an official medal sport. Games played at Canmore Stadium with 27 Canadian athletes competing.
Official medal sport begins • Canada hosts 16 nations
🥈 SILVER MEDAL — Canada secures silver with 19 athletes, competing in the northernmost Deaflympics ever hosted. Strong performance against top international competition.
Final standings: 🥇 USA, 🥈 Canada, 🥉 Russia
🥇 GOLD MEDAL! — Canada wins its first Deaflympics gold in ice hockey with 20 athletes competing in the Swiss Alps. A breakthrough moment for the program!
Final standings: 🥇 Canada, 🥈 USA, 🥉 Finland
🥇 GOLD MEDAL! — Back-to-back gold! Canada defends its championship with 23 athletes, cementing its status as a dominant force in international Deaf hockey.
Final standings: 🥇 Canada, 🥈 Russia, 🥉 USA
🥈 SILVER MEDAL — Canada secures silver with 22 athletes, continuing a remarkable streak of podium finishes spanning over a decade of excellence.
Final standings: 🥇 USA, 🥈 Canada, 🥉 Russia
🥈 SILVER MEDAL — Back-to-back silver medals! Canada continues its podium streak with 17 athletes, demonstrating sustained excellence and competitive strength against top international teams.
Final standings: 🥇 Russia, 🥈 Canada, 🥉 USA
🥈 SILVER MEDAL — Three consecutive silver medals! Canada's 20-athlete roster secures another podium finish, cementing Canada's status as one of the world's premier Deaf hockey nations.
Final standings: 🥇 USA, 🥈 Canada, 🥉 Russia
🥉 BRONZE MEDAL — Canada wins bronze at the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships (May 7-17, 2025), hosted on home ice in Vancouver. This success builds momentum heading into the 2027 Deaflympics cycle.
WDIHC 2025After winning back-to-back gold medals in 1999 and 2003, Canada earned silver in the last three Deaflympics (2007, 2015, 2019). Team Canada is preparing for the 2027 Winter Deaflympics in Innsbruck, Austria (January 15-24, 2027) with one clear goal: return to the top of the podium.
6 total medals in 7 Deaflympics since 1995
The principles that guide our program
Pursuing the highest standards in athletic performance, coaching, and program delivery. We strive for podium success through dedication and continuous improvement.
Creating accessible pathways for all eligible Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes. We celebrate diversity and ensure equal opportunity across regions and backgrounds.
Upholding the values of fair play, respect, and ethical conduct on and off the ice. We represent Canada with dignity and honor our responsibilities as national athletes.
Building connections within the Deaf community and inspiring future generations. We honor those who came before us and pave the way for those who follow.
The organizations and people behind Team Canada Deaf Hockey
The CDSA is the governing body for Deaf sport in Canada and the official representative to the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). Team Canada Deaf Hockey operates under the CDSA's national sport framework.
Visit CDSAOur program is led by experienced coaches, administrators, and volunteers dedicated to athlete development and competitive excellence. The leadership team includes former national team athletes and certified high-performance coaches.
Join us on the journey to the 2027 Deaflympics