The London Annihilators are looking to regain their national champion status this year, and they’ll be hitting the hardwood at numerous competitions in preparation to do just that. With a good mix of new players and seasoned veterans, player-coach David Willsie believes the team’s chemistry will serve them well this season.
“It’s a good, loose and fun group of players off the court, who then tighten things up on the court when the game starts,” says Willsie, who, besides being a long-time member of the Annihilators, is a five-time Paralympic Games athlete, representing Canada on the world stage. “We have a pretty balanced attack, and we definitely have a lot of talent, as many of our players are also preparing to wear the red and white at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.”
The Annihilators practice weekly on Saturdays at Dorchester Arena, and they compete in 10 tournaments throughout the season. This year, in addition to making return trips to Phoenix, Tampa Bay and Montreal, the team has added events in Las Vegas and Vancouver to their season schedule.
“We took the summer off and since then we’ve been working hard to prepare for a successful season, especially in the fall and winter as things really get rolling,” says Willsie. “We have a mix of Team Canada members, who are full-time athletes, and players who, thankfully, have jobs with great flexibility that allows them to compete in high-level wheelchair rugby events around North America – and sometimes internationally.”
The Annilihators are always looking for new recruits. Often, new players arrive through word of mouth. ‘Murderball’ often inspires people to get involved in wheelchair rugby. So, in addition to competing at a high level and chasing national championships, the Annihilators are constantly recruiting and developing new generations of players.
How did Willsie first get involved? Harry Deboer, a local coach from Strathroy, recruited him straight out of Parkwood Hospital in his late 20’s, and he’s had a passion for the game ever since. It has led him to competitions all over the world, allowed him to captain Team Canada from 2000 to 2012, and bring him a great deal of joy.
“Wheelchair rugby is fun, fast, and hard hitting,” says, who is known for his versatility and toughness. “It’s everything that you want in a sport. I had no idea it would take me this far, but it’s been a great ride.
“I also want to say a special thanks to the army of people involved in helping our team – from family, friends, volunteers and sponsors. They help make it all possible for the Annihilators to represent London and compete in a game that we all love.”
Contributions by David Willsie
