The 76-year-old Canadian coached his country's ice hockey stars to their first gold medal at the World Championships in 33-years at the 1994 edition of the tournament in Italy.

Beginning today (January 14), he will offer his wisdom to Slovakian sledge hockey hopefuls in Dolny Kubin.

In doing so, he is supporting an International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Sledge Hockey initiative to bring more youngsters into the game and develop the sport around the world.

"The Dolny Kubin Camp is designed for Para-athletes to have fun, improve their skills and enjoy playing the greatest game that man has invented – hockey,” said Kingston, who has also coached Norway and Germany and has been involved with NHL sides Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers.

"Everyone who pursues the different Paralympic sports disciplines is a winner and I enjoy seeing athletes enjoying the sport I love to play and coach.

“Being around winners who have challenging life journeys is inspirational."

The course will involve sessions both on and off the ice with skills such as stick handling and maneuvering the sledge covered.

Physical fitness will be a part of the course too, with strength and conditioning work carried out.

Kingston will be joined by Thomas Koester, Head of Development on IPC Ice Sledge Hockey’s Sport Technical Committee, as well as coaches from the Slovakian national team.

Funding for the project has come through the IPC's development arm, the Agitos Foundation.

IPC Ice Sledge Hockey successfully applied for cash through the Foundation’s 2015 Grant Support Programme.

The organisation's first development camp, for 23 players aged between 14 and 21, was held at the Eishalle Langenhagen in Germany in November and declared a success.

Italian player Gregory Leperdi has also stressed the importance of developing young talent.