Montreal West Island women’s hockey team is putting age on ice, winning gold

Every Monday night at Bob Birnie Arena in Pointe-Claire, a group of women lace ‘em up, and put aging on ice.

“It’s great,” said Beverly Beauchamp, 73, who has been playing in this pickup game for 26 years. “We can all play together no matter our age, no matter our abilities. Everybody respects that we’re here for the same reason, to play hockey and have a good time.”

Beauchamp is one of three women in her 70s but the majority are in their 50s and 60s.

“I play three times a week and seem to be doing well,” said Janet Kennedy, 67. “That’s more than I played when I was 40. So, I think the fact that I play often actually is to my benefit.”

For this group of players, the weekly rec game is about staying fit and health, and building community.

“We just kind of play for fun but it’s the girls we play with,” said Julie Nichols, 70. “We’re (aged) 20 to 75. They’re just fun, a good group of girls to play with.”

Four of the regular players were part of an over-65 team that competed in the Canada Games 55-plus, in Quebec City, in August. Les Girls, as they’re called, won gold and were crowned national champions.

“Oh, they’re amazing,” said Bonnie Ward, 33, of the inspiring accomplishment. “If I can be just half the player that they are when I’m their age, I’ll be thrilled.”

It is not always easy, though. The game is no contact but, there are the occasional incidental bumps and falls.

“It’s pretty hard,” said Nichols. “You just keep going. If you stop playing, you’re going to lose it. So, you just keep going.”

For the goalies, it takes a lot of extra effort, off the ice, to be ready for game day.

“I need to every game make sure I do all my stretching every morning,” said Sylvie Dumoulin, 61, who started in goal for Les Girls at the Canada Games 55-plus. The goaltenders in the over-65 tournament were allowed to be five years younger.

“It’s just to make sure that I’m in shape and flexible.”

They all say the effort is worth it.

“It gives me a lot of pride and energy,” said Kennedy, who believes hockey has kept her in better physical shape than other women her age.

“It’s almost become a way of life,” said Beauchamp. “We play in the summer, in the winter. It’s an outing I need for the physical aspect and for the social aspect. It’s great game.”