Fort Erie Hockey Hall of Fame inductee pushing for accessibility at exhibit

Fort Erie resident and Hockey Hall of Fame award winner, Alan “Sparkles” Dickson, is not interested in the spotlight.

Whether on or off the ice, his focus is on others, namely his sledge hockey team and those who need accessibility options.

His dedication to the sport and the Niagara Thunderblades para ice hockey team is what earned him the Esso Medal for most dedicated player in 2025.

His dedication to accessibility is why he’s speaking out now.

“In the year 2026, the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is a tourist destination mind you, should have access,” he said.

Dickson, 35, whose love for hockey took him from watching to playing the game starting in his teens, earned his Esso Medal alongside two other Thunderblades teammates last year. He later learned that medal also earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Months after his initial shock and disbelief, he and a group of family and friends travelled to Toronto in April to see the Esso Medal exhibit.

When they arrived, they discovered the interactive display area that showcases the medals isn’t accessible.

Kelly Masse, director of corporate and media relations for the Hockey Hall of Fame, said via email the Esso Medal Exhibit is located three steps up from the concourse level exhibit hall and currently doesn’t have any accessibility options.

She said it was a “presumed temporary promotional activation” by their partner, Esso, and the location was the only option.

In a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, there was no way for Dickson to make his way up those steps alone during his visit.

He said his cousin, Bonnie Dickson, looked for an accessible entrance but couldn’t find one. When she asked staff at the Hockey Hall of Fame about accessibility options–a ramp or another way to access the exhibit–he said they were not helpful and even seemed angry.

The staff member told them to visit the link online at home, he said.

When asked if that was an appropriate response from the staff member, Masse said she’s unable to comment on it as she doesn’t have firsthand knowledge of the situation.

As for Dickson and his friends, they’d already seen the online link. That was why they came to visit in person. Dickson and his family and friends weren’t about to turn around and leave.

“The people that I was with, they went above and beyond the call of duty,” he said.

He’s grateful for his friends, Tanya Mark and Allan Snow, who lifted him out of his chair and carried him up the stairs so he could take a picture with the medal.

“While it was nice of them to do that…in the year 2026, they should not have to do that.”

He said his anger about the situation isn’t focused on just his experience, however.

“This thing is not all about me. Let’s focus on other people in wheelchairs that aren’t as lucky as me. There are people that…don’t have people in their life who can lift them up and carry them. So what happens if they win an award and want to go up there and see it?”

He stressed how the Esso Medal can go to anyone, not just able-bodied individuals. Yet based on the reaction while he was there, he feels as though the Hockey Hall of Fame thinks people won’t be interested in seeing the display.

As if it’s not a big deal.

“Just because they’re in a wheelchair doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have the right to go and see it,” he said.

The need for accessibility is something Fort Erie council agrees with. After giving Dickson a certificate of recognition at the May 25 council meeting for his inclusion in the Hockey Hall of Fame, council voted to send a resolution to the organization calling on it to improve accessibility.

While Dickson said Ward 4 Councillor Joan Christensen had to talk him into accepting the recognition from council, it was nice to have council’s backing regarding accessibility.

He isn’t sure what sort of change it might make in the immediate future, but thinks every little bit helps.

“(Being in a wheelchair) is not my first choice. This is the way that whoever controls upstairs, this is the way that he decided I live my life,” he said. “Something needs to be done.”

If sharing his experience makes it easier for the next person and their friends or family that wants to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, he said he did his job.

As for the Esso Medal exhibit, Masse said, “We plan to relocate or expand the exhibit so that it’s accessible to all. This is the first time this issue has been brought to our attention since the exhibit opened. We appreciate the guest’s feedback as we want to deliver the best experience to all our guests.”

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