Within the walls of Variety Village, a remarkable story is unfolding – the electrifying ascent of Volt hockey. This isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifeline, a source of empowerment, and a testament to the human spirit’s unwavering determination. It’s a game that has even earned a place within the hallowed halls of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Volt hockey reimagines the national game for those with limited mobility. Played on a gym floor in nimble, battery-powered carts, players maneuver with a simple joystick, skillfully wielding a modified hockey blade to chase a wiffle ball. It’s a sport where barriers dissolve, and anyone can experience the thrill of competition.
Bhavjeet “Bav” Sandhu, captain of the Variety Vikings, embodies this spirit. Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age ten, Bav hasn’t walked since, and his arm strength is severely limited. Yet, he reigns as Canada’s premier Volt hockey player, a modern-day Wayne Gretzky navigating the court with unmatched skill and strategic brilliance.
At 21, Bav defies the grim prognosis of his condition. He dedicates himself to rigorous physiotherapy and workouts at Variety Village, alongside pursuing a demanding computer science degree at Ontario Tech University, with a particular fascination for artificial intelligence. But it’s on the Volt court where he truly thrives.
“There was a time when Volt was the only thing holding me together,” Bav confesses. “I was unhappy, but playing Volt one day a week changed everything. Here, I’m fully independent. In this cart, I can do anything, and at incredible speed.” The carts themselves are capable of reaching 14 km/h, spinning with remarkable agility.
Originating in Denmark in the 1990s with royal patronage, Volt hockey has found a fervent home in Scandinavia. Variety Village was the first North American organization to embrace the sport seven years ago, and the impact has been profound. Bav has already represented Canada on the world stage, competing in three World Cups in Sweden.
His first World Cup experience in Gavle was a revelation. “We were playing in a gold medal game and we didn’t even realize it!” Bav recalls, a testament to the team’s evolving understanding of the competition. They’ve come a long way, but the journey isn’t over.
Coach Alex McLean, a veteran of powerchair hockey, observes a significant shift in the team’s dynamics. “We’re still catching up to the top European teams, but we’re improving rapidly. They’re more structured, playing better defense, and focusing on strategic plays. They’ve moved beyond simply wanting to score goals; they’re playing smarter.”
Leadership is blossoming within the team, spearheaded by the calm precision of sniper Liam Marriage and the dynamic Gavriella “Gavi” Engel-Yan, the team’s sole female player, both just 15 years old. Their youthful energy and dedication are fueling the team’s progress.
The popularity of Volt hockey at Variety Village has surged, leading to the creation of two teams – the Vikings and the Vipers – and a thriving junior prospects program. While previously dominant nationally, a recent third-place finish in a Calgary tournament served as a valuable wake-up call.
Competition is intensifying across Canada, with teams in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario rising to the challenge. Bav dreams of a formal national league, envisioning live broadcasts that would showcase the sport’s exhilarating action. He’s already sharing his passion through his YouTube channel, 360 Volt Hockey.
Bav’s dedication extends beyond the court. He independently arranged to join a Danish team for a tournament in Sweden, mastering Danish and Swedish to facilitate his participation – a remarkable feat given his physical limitations. He returned home with a silver medal, a symbol of his unwavering commitment.
“Volt has been a life changer for him,” says his father, Harjeet Sandhu. “He was very shy as a child, but his confidence has grown exponentially. And my dream of being a hockey dad has finally come true.”
The Hockey Hall of Fame has acknowledged the impact of Volt hockey, including a Volt stick and wiffle ball in a new exhibit dedicated to adaptive sports. It’s a significant step, but many believe a place should be reserved for Bav Sandhu’s #3 jersey – a tribute to a true champion.
