Wheelchair Basketball Canada announced the 12 athletes named to the Senior Men’s National Team roster that will look to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games at the IWBF Repechage Tournament in Antibes, France, from April 12-15, 2024.
“This is a unique and exciting tournament, and we know our athletes are ready to compete for Paris qualification,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada High Performance Director Jeff Dunbrack. “This group of 12 athletes brings a variety of experience to the court, and we believe this team will earn a spot in the Paralympic Games.”
The Men’s Repechage Tournament will feature eight teams competing at the Azur Arena Antibes. This event is the final opportunity for teams who did not qualify for the Paris Games through the zone qualifier to earn a spot at the Paralympic Games.
The tournament will consist of two groups establishing rankings for crossover matches. The knockout stage will unveil the four teams that earn a berth in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Canada will play in Group A against the Netherlands, Iran and France.
Senior Men’s National Team Roster:
Patrick Anderson – Fergus, Ont.
Vincent Dallaire – Quebec City, Que.
Reed De’Aeth – Sherwood Park, Alta.
Nik Goncin – Regina, Sask.
Bo Hedges – Wonowon, B.C.
Colin Higgins – Rothesay, N.B.
Chad Jassman – Calgary, Alta.
Lee Melymick – Toronto, Ont.
Tyler Miller – Kitchener, Ont.
Blaise Mutware – Toronto, Ont.
Garrett Ostepchuk – Regina, Sask.
Jonathan Vermette – Sherbrooke, Que.
Coaches
Matteo Feriani (Padova, Italy) – Head Coach
Nicolas Palmer (Laval, Que.) – Assistant Coach
Darrell Nordell (Edmonton, Alta.) – Assistant Coach
Additional Support Staff
Danielle de Laat (Hamilton, Ont.) – Senior Men’s Physiotherapist
Jocelyn Davidson (Delburne, Alta.) – Team Manager
Joe Leszner (Thornhill, Ont.) – Mental Performance Consultant
Jesse McNalley (Toronto, Ont.) – Performance Analyst
Jeff Dunbrack (Halifax, N.S.) – High Performance Director
Hailey Roll (Mississauga, Ont.) – High Performance Coordinator
Wendy Gittens (Kingston, Ont.) – CEO, Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Team Canada’s IWBF Repechage Tournament schedule
(all times eastern)
April 12 – Canada vs Netherlands – 9:30 a.m.
April 13 – France vs Canada – 12:00 p.m.
April 14 – Canada vs Iran – 7:15 a.m.
April 15 – TBD
All games will be streamed on the IWBF YouTube channel.
For more information including the complete IWBF Repechage Tournament schedule visit the WBC event page.
Press release & photo: Wheelchair Basketball Canada