Welcome to Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Federation's Website

This is my first opportunity to communicate with you as the President of the Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Federation (CDIHF). I would like to share a little bit of my background within the Deaf and hard of Hearing Community. As a founder of Mississauga Athlete Association of the Deaf, former President of St. Francis Deaf Hockey, President of Hard of Hearing Social Club and various deaf and hard of hearing communities in Greater Metropolitan Toronto and Mississauga.

Also a former board member of Applewood Minor Hockey Association for 8 years and as well coach of minor hockey teams for several years.

My main objective was to have a hockey school for deaf and hard of hearing children. I was pleased with the success of last summer hockey school with 26 kids from across Canada; this is the first time since 1993 when we had our last hockey camp in Edmonton, Alberta. Of course, it is not about me but it is about various members of the board that put up tremendous effort to make it successful. There are my "unsung heroes" especially the founder of CDIHF Roy Hysen as well as Raymond Patterson, Patti Trofimenkoff and  volunteers. I would like to thank all those dedicated people that help make this past summer hockey school a great success.  Again, CDIHF may be hosting the Summer Hockey School 2005 and hope to see many more young kids.

CDIHF will be improving our website as we attempt to upgrade and keep it up to date news, stories, events, special announcements at all times.

One must remember that all board members are volunteers and they work to the best of their ability and put many hours to maintain our Federation.

CDIHF goal to work with Hockey Canada to assure that our Canada Deaflympic team receives the best possible supports and recognition. I hope someday that our Canada Deaflympic team will be wear similar hockey jersey to what their men's and Women's Olympic Hockey Tournaments as well as Paralympics Sledge Hockey Team.

CDIHF also work with provincial Deaf Sports Organization and respectfully with Canada Sport Association to have annual Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Championship across Canada and also play against USA and Europe.

CDIHF is looking forward to host the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship in Canada by the year 2009 with the help from CDSA, Hockey Canada and Sport Canada.

In all, I like to thank you for your support and hope to meet many of you during my terms as the president of CDIHF.

Yours truly,

Eugene Franciosi