March 28, 2016
The game of noodle ball brings long-term care residents and members of the Olds Grizzlys hockey club together at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre. During one of their visits in the fall, Grizzlys players, from left, Andrew Dunn, Cale Brown and Aaron Brewer get residents Karen Betteridge, second from left, and Vera Edgeworth in on the game action.
Story by Heather Kipling; photo by Tina Richards
With the sound of cheering and calls for players to “pass” and the jubilation when someone hollers “goal” emanating down the hall, you’d think there’s a lively game of hockey being played in the long term care unit at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre.
You would almost be right. Though there’s no ice to be seen and the sticks have been replaced with soft foam noodles, the spirit of hockey is bringing generations together in the form of a game called noodle ball.
“Those boys are just fantastic,” says resident Edna Johnson. “My husband was a goal judge for the Grizzlys 15 years ago, so I enjoy it when the hockey players come to our hospital to see us.”
“I always look forward to their visits for noodle ball,” adds Vera Edgeworth. “I have fun and enjoy the interaction with the players.”
And Tina Richards, Volunteer Resources coordinator at the hospital, says it’s a positive event.
Richards organizes regular visits from the Olds Grizzlys, who belong to Alberta Junior Hockey League’s South division.
Members of the team volunteer their time to play noodle ball with the residents every other month throughout the hockey season, as part of the recreation therapy programs offered to residents.
“The players are always so kind and interactive with our seniors, engaging them in conversations and really taking time to make the event special,” says Richards. “It’s a great way to connect generations through an activity that’s beneficial.
“We seem to have more involvement from the seniors when they know the hockey players are coming for a visit; there’s a lot of excitement.”
There aren’t many slap shots, and there certainly aren’t any cross-checks among the players, but participants do compete in teams – each with a goalie – and use the foam noodles to pass a ball along the length of the room to try and net a point for their team. The activity provides both an opportunity to socialize as well as a playful means of keeping the body active.
Though the days of lacing up their skates and netting hat tricks of their own may be behind the residents, they teach the Grizzlys players a thing or two says forward James Gaume, who is in his second season with the team.
“It’s a lot of fun, and the seniors really seem to enjoy it,” he says. “When you see them smile it just makes you feel good. It’s a way we can give back to the community too, because lots of people do so much for us here.
“Giving 30 minutes or an hour of our day back to someone else is very rewarding.”
Grizzlys business manager Joel Hunter agrees.
“The benefits of volunteering are huge for our players,” says Hunter. “It makes them better adults, better citizens and it gives back to the community that gives to us and our organization.”
