Todd Nicholson has been named as Canada's Chef de Mission for Pyeongchang 2018 ©Canadian Paralympic Committee

Todd Nicholson has been confirmed as the Canada's Chef de Mission for the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. 

Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) bosses confirmed today they have given the role to the 47-year-old, a former sledge hockey player who competed in five Paralympic Games including the sport's debut at the 1994 Games in Lillehammer in Norway.

During his career, Nicholson won a bronze for Canada in 1994, a silver at Nagano 1998 before captaining his country to gold at Turin 2006. 

A team captain for 15 years, Nicholson was also Canada's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Games.

Nicholson also competed at Salt Lake City 2002 and Vancouver 2010, where Canada finished fourth in both.

In 1987, Nicholson became a paraplegic after being involved in a car accident when he was returning home on the night of his high school prom.

He was introduced to Paralympic sports during his stay at the Royal Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre.

"I'm very excited about leading Team Canada for the 2018 Paralympic Games," Nicholson said in a statement.

"Athletes and coaches are always my number one priority and I hope the experience I've gained both as an athlete and in the leadership roles I've fulfilled since my playing career will benefit the overall team.

"I believe in the importance of teamwork and fair play in sports and in life, and in bringing a positive attitude to identifying winning approaches."

Todd Nicholson captained his country to ice sledge hockey gold at Turin 2006 ©Canadian Paralympic Committee
Todd Nicholson captained his country to ice sledge hockey gold at Turin 2006 ©Canadian Paralympic Committee

Nicholson currently serves as the Chairman for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council.

He is also a Governing Board member for the IPC and the IPC Athlete Representative to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

However, his term will end this year.

"With Todd Nicholson as Chef de Mission, Team Canada has at its helm one of the most knowledgeable, respected and engaged leaders in international Paralympic sport,’’ said Karen O’Neill, chief executive of the CPC.

‘’A former team captain and now a trailblazer in advancing the playing field for Paralympic athletes, I know Todd will be the ideal mentor and leader for our team.’’

Pyeongchang 2018 will take place between March 9 to 18, 2018.

The Games are expected to attract up to 670 athletes competing in 80 medal events.

At the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, Canada placed third in the overall medal standings with seven gold, two silver and seven bronze medals.

Canadian qualification and test events are set to begin in March 2017.