Garrett Riley

2024 Inductee – Athlete: Para Ice Hockey

Born and raised in Brantford, Garrett attended elementary school at Agnes Hodge and graduated high school from Assumption College. He was a rising star in Brantford minor and AAA hockey until the age of 15 when he was diagnosed with cancer, the same type as Terry Fox. He persevered and graduated from high school while completing chemotherapy treatment and surgeries.

During this time, he was introduced to sledge hockey because his affected leg was too fragile and couldn't handle the physical abuse of stand-up hockey. He joined an amateur team in Hamilton and excelled because of his incredible hockey intuition and drive for the sport. As he mastered the sled, he was invited to join the provincial para-hockey team who won gold at the Parasport Games hosted by the City of Brantford in 2017. He was the top scorer for the event.

An infection from the cancer led to amputation of Garrett’s leg and it was replaced with a prosthetic knee joint and leg. Undeterred Garrett made the National para hockey team within a year of losing his leg.

During a tournament in the United States Garrett’s other leg was injured he underwent surgery before being flown back to Canada for rehab. Again, he showed his spirit of perseverance, refusing to give in. Despite dwindling chances for a spot on the National Para Hockey Team he chose to rehab with their medical team, proved his capability and earned a spot the 2022 Paralympic team.

In his first game at the 2022 Paralympic Games he got an assist. During the next game he scored a goal, ending with 3 points in 4 games. In the Paralympics, the Canadian team came second against Team USA and he and his teammates proudly carried the 2022 silver medal home to a proud nation and Garrett’s hometown of Brantford.