It is a rare and special occasion for female student-athletes to meet a trailblazing woman who broke barriers in her sport.
A rarer still and even more special occasion is for the age difference between those generations to span 90 years.
Last week, the Balmoral Hall Blazers took a break from pre-season training to visit a local long-term care centre. There, they met Ruby, who played on the first women's hockey team in Winnipeg in 1930. At age 107, Ruby has many stories to tell about what it was like to be a goaltender so long ago, with catalogues in place of padding. She recalled some of the challenges she faced on and off the ice. With laughter and a few tears, the girls expressed genuine admiration and respect. It was a deeply moving experience for all, shared Sarah Zacharias '08, Director of Hockey at Balmoral Hall School.
Our mission is inspiring the imagination and courage to excel, to reach, to lead, to care.
"While their academic and athletic abilities are evidence of how these student-athletes are excelling, reaching, and leading, moments like this one indicate their ability to care," says Head of School Joanne Kamins.
"How proud am I to lead a school where girls have the opportunity to bring joy to an elder with true compassion and kinship."