Paradise gifts para-athletes free ice time

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Paradise, for a consecutive year, has gifted two local para-hockey athletes – Liam Hickey and Paradise’s own Gavin Baggs – free ice time at the Double Ice Complex.

“These athletes are members of the national team, and when not on the road with the team are required to train frequently to keep active,” explained recreation lead councillor Jennifer Hiscock. “However, with only two athletes in Newfoundland, the cost of the ice time is very prohibitive.”

Hiscock said council last year allowed for 52 hours of ice time (an hour per week) at no cost to the two athletes.

The councillor added the ice time would be otherwise unused, and no other users will be impacted. She then moved that the Town allow access for 52 hours of ice time for the two athletes at no charge. Council unanimously approved the decision.

“This is something that we’ve supported in the past and I’m glad that we can continue to support this and I wish Gavin and Liam all the very best,” said Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street.

Councillor Glen Carew added council has also directed staff to check whether there is more unused ice time that could be made available to the two athletes on an “as needed” basis.

Hickey is widely recognized as one of the world’s top para hockey players. Baggs, meanwhile, netted an impressive four Canada Games medals at the 2025 Summer Games, hosted of course, by this province, including three for para wheelchair competition and one for para swimming.

The Town of Paradise held a small celebration for Baggs and fellow Canada Games medallist Thomas Pelley earlier this fall.