The APC have received €12,500 (£11,000/$15,000) as part of the PyeongChang 2018 and Agitos Foundation equipment grant programme in collaboration with World Para Ice Hockey.

The equipment, which includes 21 Para ice hockey sledges and sticks, is in the process of being distributed by the APC.

It will be sent to Ice Sports Victoria and the Western Australian Inclusive Ice Skating Club following its arrival in Melbourne.

The APC hope the equipment will help Para ice hockey develop in a country which is not a traditional winter sport nation.

"The hope is that this equipment will be a catalyst for the development of a Para-ice hockey programme in Australia," Tim Matthews, performance talent and Para-sport manager at the APC, said. 

"The APC is very grateful to receive this support and we’re now really excited to help grow Para-ice hockey here and highlight why it is one of the most popular sports at the Winter Paralympic Games."

Matthews added: "I think, particularly when specialised equipment is required and not readily available in Australia without support, the reality is that the sport couldn’t launch here in a sustainable way without this programme.

"The APC will work with Ice Hockey Australia to develop a deep pool of players from which regular training and other programs can evolve."

Shona Powell, the long-time captain of the Australian women's ice hockey team, will participate in a Para-ice hockey development camp in Chuncheon in South Korea as part of the a Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Paralympic Games legacy project.

"Ice Hockey Australia has over 5000 registered members, and with our experience and enthusiasm in running ice hockey, we believe we can really help Para-ice hockey to get going, and to become a serious winter sport in Australia," said Ice Hockey Australia vice-president Andrew McDowell.

"We love the game, and want to assist and contribute to its success."