Keynote Speaker

Todd Nicholson, Paralympian for Canada

Canadian Men’s Sledge Hockey Team

Todd, who is presently a Project Officer for the Canadian Border Services Agency, is an extremely talented and versatile hockey player with a keen sense of the game and who can play any position on the ice. 

In 1987, Todd became a paraplegic after being involved in a car accident as he was returning home on the night of his high school prom.  This has not kept Todd from reaching his goals and pursuing a career in sports.  Todd has been ranked among the top six sledge hockey players in the world and believes he owes his success to the support and encouragement of his family and friends.

Todd was introduced to paralympic sports during his stay at the Royal Ottawa Rehabilitation Center in 1987.  He began playing sledge hockey with the Ottawa Sledgehammers in 1988.  Since joining Team Canada in 1989, Todd has earned three medals at Paralympic Games and eight more in World Championships during his career in sledge hockey.  He now trains in Ottawa and West Carleton.  Named to the Paralympic All-Star Teams in 1998 and 2002, Todd has been captain of the National Sledge Hockey Team at various times throughout his career.  He was honored as Canada’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. A recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Award, Todd was also a member of Canada’s duathlon and triathlon team from 2003-2004.  He is involved with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Kids Sports and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Todd is much admired and appreciated in his community where he has won several awards for his work.  The City of West Carleton held “Todd Nicholson Day” on June 6, 2000 to honor his courage and perseverance as a role model for young athletes. Todd’s favorite NHL player is Steve Yzerman and his hometown Ottawa Senators are his favorite team.

Todd’s keynote address will focus on his personal life journey with messages about teamwork, motivation and overcoming obstacles in life.

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