The 53-year-old Czech, regarded by some as the best goaltender in history, took to a sled at an official launch event alongside current Czech players and coach Vitkovice Ridera.

“I’m glad the World Championships organisers approached me,” Hasek said.

“I didn’t hesitate for a minute and decided to become an ambassador for this project.”

Nicknamed “the dominator”, Hasek played in the NHL for 16 years for teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators.

He won six Vezina Trophies for the league’s best goaltender from 1993 to 2001.

“My admiration is mainly for the boys who, despite adversities, managed to challenge themselves and put on Para ice hockey,” he added.

"I’m curious about the battles that will take place during the Championships.

“I’ll come to watch it.”

Also at the launch was Tomas Macura, the Mayor of Ostrava, who expressed the city’s enthusiasm for the event.

“The World Championship can be an inspiration for people with disabilities and a guide on how to spend time leisurely and actively,” he said.

“We support citizens with disabilities on a long and systematic basis, in the form of subsidies to organisations that help them.”

The Championships are scheduled to run from April 27 to May 4.

Canada will enter as the defending champions having beaten the United States in the 2017 final in South Korea.