"They don't see the wheelchair or the prosthetics... they just see the person that's there."

That from Morden mom Connie Hesom on the power of sledge hockey.

Her son Evan was recently a part of sharing that story through a new documantary.

"It was pretty exciting, it was my first time being in a film," Evan says.

Connie explains sledge hockey has given him an opportunity to be an athlete and help people see beyond the wheelchair. They've been going to Winnipeg almost every weekend for the past seven years so Evan could be a part of the Sledgehammers.

"When you get there, it doesn't matter what your disability is, whether you have one or don't have one, everybody is the same," Connie says, adding many able-bodied siblings also play on the team.

She notes it's been great for Evan's self-confidence, and has been a place to meet other families with disabilities.

"We call ourselves the Sledgehammer family," she says, adding it's been a constant source of support.

'The Tournament' directed by Winnipeg Director Sam Vint shines a light on a major youth sledge hockey tournament in Blaine, Minnesota that sees teams from the U.S and Canada battle for the top spot.

While designed for players with a physical challenge, he notes the funamentals of the sport, the adrenalin, passing, shooting, remain the same. Vint captures the high-energy action, but also the quieter moments with parents, coaches and players, giving viewers a glimpse into a rarely seen world.

While many of the athletes live with challenges, he explains that on the ice they are simply athletes.

Watching from the stands for the first time, Vint says he was blown away. "It's such a positive environment. My wife looked at me right away and said, "We need to make a documentary about this."'

Check out the documentary starting June 17 here: https://www.nfb.ca/film/tournament-the/

Submitted photos.