We recently had the opportunity to speak with CARHA Hockey member Leslie Ann Kalman from the Calgary Outlaws of the Alberta 55+ Hockey League who recently had the opportunity to participate in the Canada 55+ Games in Quebec City.
CH: As a recreational hockey player, what motivates you to continue playing and competing at this stage in your life?
LAK: My love of the game is the key motivator. Playing in Masters leagues, tournaments and shinnies provides me with a fun and safe place to play hockey with friends of the same age and abilities. Fun team exercise helps with my physical and mental health. Playing regularly has helped me to improve my on-ice skills. Being an organizer also helps develop leadership/team skills.
CH: Can you tell us about your journey to the Canada 55+ Games? What did it take for you and your team to qualify through the Regional Games?
LAK: Alberta has provincial play-downs (for men and women) in the year prior to the Nationals. Last April, our team (Calgary Outlaws) won the Alberta 55+ Women’s category Provincial Championship. The top two teams (or players in individual events), within each age category, are then entitled to attend the Canada 55+ Games and represent Alberta.
CH: What was the atmosphere like at the Canada 55+ Games in Quebec City? How did it compare to other tournaments or events you’ve participated in?
LAK: Quebec City is beautiful, full of history and the weather was great. The atmosphere at the Canada 55+ Games in Quebec City was vibrant and inclusive, celebrating not just competition but also community and camaraderie among participants.
Quebec City and all of the 55+ volunteers put on an excellent 2024 Canada 55+ games. It is a huge undertaking to organize 2500+ participants, 20+ disciplines, opening and closing ceremonies, accommodation, side tours and busing, etc. Although there were a few scheduling issues, which we hope will be corrected in the 2026 National games in Winnipeg, overall these 55+ Games were a huge success.
I have played in several local and international hockey tournaments, but the scope of the 55+ Games is much bigger, and the opportunity to represent your province is quite thrilling.
CH: Were there any moments during the tournament that stood out to you or your team?
LAK: I can’t actually think of a single moment that stood out on the ice. There were so many great team plays and individual efforts. So proud of my team-mates who gave it all, and still smiled when things didn’t go quite as planned.
The Women’s 65+ Cal Gals (from Calgary and Alberta) won a Bronze medal in the inaugural year of this age category. These women have come a long way considering many were not “allowed” or were “discouraged” from playing hockey when they were young. They are truly an inspiration for all of us.
CH: How has being part of a recreational hockey team influenced your life outside of the sport?
LAK: Playing hockey has influenced my life in so many ways. It has kept me physically active, given me opportunities to interact with like-minded women and improved my leadership/team skills. I have made great life-long friends, and learned so much from them, on and off the ice.
CH: What advice would you give to other recreational hockey players who are considering participating in events like the Canada 55+ Games?
LAK: Keep playing. Stay active and in-touch with your team-mates. You are never too old to play in the Canada 55+ Games. Reach out to your local Provincial/Zone/Regional 55+ organizations. Find out what activities are available and get out and participate.
CH: Looking back on your experience at the Games, what did you enjoy the most, both on and off the ice?
LAK: On the ice I really like playing with, and against, players of similar ages, abilities and attitudes. I feel safer playing against players who know these games are for fun and no one is “going to the show”. Off the ice I like the social aspect of hanging out with my teammates and running into people that I haven’t seen in years, representing other provinces and still playing.
We all cheer for women who have made a life-long commitment to exercise and socializing via the great game of hockey.