The Golden League

City: St. John's

Producer: Vaida Nairn

Genre: Sports

Every winter in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a group of women meet once a week to play recreational ice hockey, learn new skills and forge friendships. With their passion for the game, daring nature, and good sense of humour these women prove that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and have the right support.

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Episodes

Episode 1 - The Beginnings

The Beginnings introduces Liz Ohle, the founder of one-of-kind recreational ice hockey games for older and beginner women players in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Liz reminisces about the origins of the initiative and explains the atmosphere, purpose, and unique rules of the game she established over 16 years ago.

Episode 2 - Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained seems to be the motto of women who take up new sports as adults. Venturing into hockey later in life comes with its own hurdles, the expense of gear being one of them.. However, eager to play hockey and finally having the chance, the women find a way to gear up and make game day Sundays very special occasions.

Episode 3 - Sunday Escape

Sunday Escape spotlights the important role of Liz’s ice hockey game for the players who are working mothers. Having that one hour a week just for themselves allows the women to clear their heads and recharge. Some players’ daughters also show interest in hockey. Playing the game together helps them to deepen, strengthen and enjoy their mother-daughter bonds.

Episode 4 - Can’t Slow Me Down Yet

Playing hockey to the best of their ability, no matter how limited, is empowering. The women feel and demonstrate their strength, while the older players dispel any societal views. They even help challenge their own younger teammates’ perceptions of older women’s capabilities by demonstrating that they continue to enjoy life by being active and playing hockey well into their seventies.

Episode 5 - Hockey Means Happiness

In Hockey Means Happiness, several players open up about discovering ice hockey and Liz’s game during adverse times and the positive differences the experience has made in their personal and professional lives. Joining any team sport later in life, especially while feeling low, can be a scary prospect. The environment that Liz’s group fosters makes a welcoming, supportive, fun, and perfect place to be.

Episode 6 - Not Just A Game

United by their love for hockey and inspired by Liz’s example, the women are there for each other both on and off the ice. Their inclination to go above and beyond is not limited to efforts within their own group, as they often generously assist other causes too. As a result, special and long-lasting friendships are formed making this hockey more than just a game.