The upcoming 2026 Para Cup will return to Newfoundland and Labrador, hosted at the Paradise Double Ice Complex, showcasing the world’s elite Para ice hockey talent. Mayor Patrick Martin expressed the community’s excitement to welcome back the Para hockey community to the province, marking the tournament’s second appearance in Paradise, following the 2019 event. Scheduled from November 29 to December 5, the tournament holds special significance for national team member Liam Hickey, who mentioned the thrill of playing on home soil, having been part of the 2019 team in Paradise. Notably, the Para Cup finals have consistently featured intense matchups between the United States and Canada since 2015, with the U.S. clinching victory each time.
The Para Cup serves as a pivotal international Para ice hockey event post-Paralympics, typically attracting the top four ranked teams globally, including the U.S., Canada, Czechia, and China. Liam Hickey, recently named to Canada’s Para ice hockey team for the Paralympics in Italy, aims to leverage the team’s performance at the Paralympics to build momentum for the forthcoming Para Cup in 2026.
In a parallel narrative, Gavin Baggs, a resident of Paradise, anticipates a potential spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Para Cup after his initial national team exposure in 2025. Baggs, who served as a flagbearer at the 2019 event, emphasized the honor of representing his country in his hometown. Reflecting on his success at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s in August 2025, where he secured four medals, Baggs highlighted the hometown crowd’s support as a driving force behind his achievements, expressing optimism for a similar boost on the ice.
Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 Para Cup’s schedule and ticket details, to be released at a later date.
