Local teens make Ontario sledge team

Two local sledge hockey players will be taking to the ice donning Team Ontario jerseys this year.

Fergus resident Sawyer Harding and Rockwood resident Jacob Ribble, teammates on the Kitchener Waterloo Sidewinders, were chosen to represent Team Ontario in the upcoming season.

Harding, 17, was born with spina bifida, but that did not stop him from playing the great Canadian game.

He’s been playing since 2005.

“It’s pretty much all the same (as hockey), except sitting,” he said.

Harding plays right wing and said he likes to wait for the puck.

“Sawyer’s the guy with the speed, so they use him to set him up with the puck and let him go,” explained Harding’s mother Cindy.

Harding said he got a call from his coach about a month after tryout weekend.

He added he felt, “Really good because I’ve been trying to do it for a couple of years now.”

Team Ontario will be in Montreal for a tournament from Dec. 1 to 4 before heading to Florida Dec. 27 to 31 for another tournament.

Harding said he eventually wants to make it to Team Canada.

“He likes to stay active and it’s a fun way for him to stay active and get his exercise,” said Cindy.

“I love it. It’s very freeing,” added Harding.

Ribble was unavailable for comment by press time.