Lessons From the Court: Leading Beyond the Game

Mar 13

Featuring Meghan Hines, Para-Athlete and Co-Founder and President of Power Hockey Canada

Power Hockey is one of the few sports fully accessible to power chair users, combining the speed and strategy of ice hockey with inclusive design so that athletes of all abilities can participate and thrive. It’s a sport where physical ability doesn’t define opportunity; teamwork and communication are just as important as scoring goals. Meghan Hines, who has helped grow Power Hockey nationally and internationally, explains:

“It’s a distinctively inclusive sport… everyone has a role in the sport. And everyone's role is important. In order for the individuals who have that upper body strength score or goals, you need individuals like me to help block, help create those lanes or assist that kind of thing.”

Beyond the Game: Leadership Lessons

For Meghan, the lessons learned on the court go far beyond athletic performance. Playing Power Hockey develops skills that translate directly into leadership and personal and professional growth. Athletes build their resilience, perseverance, and the ability to navigate diverse teams while learning to set goals, give and receive feedback, and celebrate incremental progress.

Even when facing extreme international losses, the focus remains on learning and growth rather than discouragement. Meghan reflects:

“ Ever since I started, I've been involved, obviously not when I was nine or 10, but as I got older, I really saw it as a way to build those skills. 'Cause throughout high school, for instance, I wasn't really able to get those traditional roles like working as a waitress or working in retail. And so I looked at other ways of volunteering that I could build skills that are transferable to my education and employment.”

These lessons show that sport is not only about competition but also about developing transferable skills that can serve athletes long after they leave the gym floor and in their professional lives.

Building Confidence and Community

Power Hockey doesn’t just build athletic skills; it builds confidence and social connection. From scoring a first goal to mastering new roles on the court, athletes experience personal growth that reinforces a sense of achievement and belonging. Meghan notes:

“Both from a confidence perspective in the sport, but also the long-term external benefits that power hockey and Parasport provide. I think it really just helps to have that sense of community that you can lean on.”

Athletes also benefit from multi-generational and multi-ability mentorship within the sport. Younger players gain guidance from experienced teammates, while new players learn that there are multiple pathways to contribute meaningfully. These experiences create not only better athletes but also empowered, connected individuals.

Breaking Barriers in Adaptive Sport

Despite the transformative impact of Power Hockey, the awareness, funding, and infrastructure remain barriers to participation. Meghan identifies the ongoing challenges and priorities for growth:

Expanding programs to more major cities across Canada to ensure accessibility isn’t limited by geography.
Increasing funding and human resources to support athletes, volunteers, and coaches.
Creating accessible pathways for new participants to try the sport, gain confidence, and explore leadership opportunities beyond sport.

“ I want everyone to have an opportunity to participate, an opportunity to experience what I have.”

Initiatives such as volunteer training and community engagement are all designed to lower these barriers and create lasting opportunities for athletes and communities alike.

A Vision for the Future

Power Hockey Canada is continuing to grow. New leagues are launching, international competitions are expanding, and there’s a long-term dream of seeing Power Hockey included in the Paralympics. Meghan’s vision demonstrates that adaptive sport is more than play; it’s a platform for empowerment, advocacy, and skill-building.

Through developing athletes, mentoring volunteers, and building communities, Power Hockey creates a space where everyone can lead, contribute, and belong. Meghan’s leadership shows that when sport is inclusive, the benefits reach far beyond the court: it fosters confidence, nurtures leadership, and strengthens communities across Canada and beyond.