HALIFAX - Teams from the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League are joining forces to help a former player achieve his goal of competing at the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

Ryan Shay is a former South Shore Mustang who was once a 5’11, 175 pound hard-nose player whose spirit was embodied in his play. However, his life was drastically changed in 2013 after a car accident resulted in paralysis.

Shay’s fighting spirit now has his sights set on the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil, but to get there it will require a custom made wheelchair at the cost of $6,000.

He said he “wants a world record, it’s going to happen.” The NSMMHL wants to see Shay achieve his goal so teams are working together this preseason to help raise some of the funds.

Many NSMMHL teams have or will be donating all revenue collected from their exhibition games admission, 50/50 sales and additional donations at the door to Shay to help make buying a new wheelchair a reality.

The upcoming NSMMHL preseason games in support of him are:

Aug. 30: Cape Breton West at Weeks (Wellness Centre) at noon

Aug. 30: Valley at Halifax (BMO Centre) at 1 p.m.