Our leaders slide into sledge hockey, thanks to Manitoba Possible

Think you’re a pro on skates? Maybe so… but how about on a sledge?

Nine members of Payworks’ leadership team recently decided to find out for themselves just how transferrable their on-ice skills actually were (spoiler alert: not very) by connecting with Manitoba Possible for an afternoon of learning how to play sledge hockey – and enjoying a whole lot of fun in the process.

Photo: The team taking a tumble.

Exploring sledge hockey with Manitoba Possible

Manitoba Possible “is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to full and equal participation through a diverse range of programs and services” all across the province.

One of the accessible recreation opportunities they offer is sledge hockey, which they describe as “a fast-paced adaptation of ice hockey where players use double-blade sledges along with two sticks for pushing and shooting.” They run programs for all skill levels, and host clinics for schools, teams and businesses…which is how our team found themselves with gear on and anticipation high!

Spearheading this activity for Payworks was our own Chief People Officer Jenn Johnston, who added it to a recent round of management meetings.

Photo: Chief People Officer Jenn Johnston and Vice President of Software Delivery Matt Nicholls sneaking in a well-deserved on-ice break.

“Typically, we try to do something together as team when we gather for our meetings, and I felt like we needed to get out of the boardroom this time to try something different!” says Jenn. “This opportunity aligned so perfectly with Payworks’ values of promoting inclusion and community support, and as the folks at Manitoba Possible told me, putting everyone into a sled puts everyone on the same level playing field. We didn’t have a single person on the team who’d played sledge hockey before, so we all went out there and got to learn a brand-new skill together!”

Hitting the ice together

Experienced sledge hockey athletes were on-hand to bring the team up to speed on the most important skills – how to push yourself down the ice using the spiked sticks, how to shoot, and as Jenn reports, “how to pick yourself up when you fall over… which we all did… a lot.”

Laughter echoed across the arena as the team put their new skills to good use, and after an hour on the ice, awards were handed out for the most impressive performances and admirable sportsmanship.

                                                                                                                             Photo: Instruction in progress... 

                                      Photo: Chief Technology Officer Maureen Kinnear making a very sharp turn.

Mike Derksen, our Vice President of Finance, was the proud recipient of the “Heart of a Champion” Award. "I had never played before, but can’t wait to play again!” Mike says. “I was excited to get on the ice, and basically just started hammering the sticks into the ice to get some forward momentum. Playing sports is such a great way to blow off steam, get active, and do something good for your body and mental well-being… so the more inclusive, the better, so that as many people as possible can experience the many benefits of sport."  

Photo: Vice President of Finance Mike Derksen was honoured to be awarded with the “Heart of a Champion” recognition!

Payworks’ Chief Marketing Officer, Jaclyn Christie, was also an award-winner that day, receiving the “Rising Star” Award. Her first impression of her fellow leaders’ skills on the ice: “Honestly, everyone was far more coordinated than I expected, and I quickly realized this was going to be a real competition!” Jaclyn says. “[Payworks Director of IT Strategy & Innovation] Derek Ward definitely brought a bit of playfulness– since we weren’t wearing jerseys, he would pretend to be on my team and trick me into passing him the puck.”

Photo: “Rising Star” – and Chief Marketing Officer – Jaclyn Christie (left) on ice with her crew. 

For Jaclyn, this opportunity was bigger than team building. “More importantly, it creates real awareness and perspective,” says Jaclyn. “It gives teams a chance to better understand different lived experiences and opens up your world to a new community that in this case happens to have a lot of fun. My daughter was born with a limb difference, so I’m always paying attention to how people with disabilities adapt and participate… and I think it’s incredibly important. Inclusion in sport means access, confidence, and belonging. It creates opportunities for people to challenge themselves, be part of a team, and experience the joy of playing. That matters – not just for individuals, but for all of us.”

Would the team do it again? “Absolutely – it was both humbling and fun,” reports Jenn with a laugh. “And for the record, I’ve got a photo of [Payworks President] Mike Penman crashing into my sled and fully flipping me over, which I’m keeping in my back pocket for the next time I need budget approval or to call in a favour.”

If you’re interested in supporting Manitoba Possible or signing up for a team-building event of your own, please connect with them at: www.manitobapossible.ca.