A Game-Changing Gift

In the early hours of a Saturday morning, 15-year-old Rainey pulled up to the Transcona East End Arena, completely unaware of the surprise that awaited him. Rainey's parents provided little explanation for the early wake-up call, creating a mix of curiosity and confusion.

“It was early, and I kept wondering what I was doing there,” says Rainey. “Then I saw it, and I was like, holy moly, that is a nice sledge!”

This moment of joy echoed the sentiment that had inspired Peter Jordan, along with his hockey team, to donate the sled to Rainey in the first place. They did so in honor of their teammate and friend, John Dubeck, who passed away from brain cancer in 2014.

“John’s pure sportsmanship and love for the game needed to live on,” says Peter. “The players that played with him during those early Saturday morning games knew they had to do something to make that happen, and they have enjoyed this journey in his honour.”

The team meets weekly for their fun and laid-back Saturday morning scrimmage, but there is one steadfast rule.

“Whether you knew John or not, you donate,” asserts Jordan. “John loved to play. He loved the game. It didn’t matter if you played with him or against him; he’d be cheering you on. He was there for the pure joy of it.”

Peter Jordan (right) , along with Rainey and his dad Tom, after gifting him the new sled.

The team has donated six high-performance sleds to Manitoba Possible, giving athletes equal opportunity to participate and chase their hockey dreams.

“Sledge hockey has given Rainey the opportunity to play on a team, make new friends, travel, learn new skills, and compete,” says Rainey’s mom, Cher.

This season is Rainey’s first time back on the ice since having surgery. He has goals of playing on a provincial and national level in the future. He says the new sled has already improved his speed and agility.

“My favourite part is the enjoyment of playing hockey again and playing as a team,” he says.

Peter’s donation goes beyond the sleds he gifts to the players, it ensures that John's legacy continues in the sport that he loved.

“From my angle, if you have the means to donate, then do it,” says Peter. “When you see the reactions on their faces, it’s worth it.”