History-maker turned role model

Leah Klompmaker was brought up to give her all in everything and had intrinsic competitive drive. She fell in love with hockey, goaltending in particular, and aspired to go as far as she could in the sport but didn't really know where or what to focus those aspirations on.
"When you turn on the TV, you see men in sport, you don't really see women in sport the majority of the time," said the 25-year-old Canada Life Actuarial Analyst. "You have a bunch of young boys all dreaming of playing in the NHL one day and you can't really picture yourself in anything like that because there's no obvious connection (to higher level hockey)."
Klompmaker started out on boys teams and didn't let the fact she was in the gender minority intimidate her or slow her down. When transitioned to all-female teams at around age 8, she did however sense that the compete level somewhat slowed - less ice times and more of a play for fun mentality. Fun is also key, but for those who might want more, "there's just that gap of not having anything to dream for in the same way."

That's why she's pleased to see more exposure through initiatives like the NHL's Celebrating Women in Sport showcasing opportunity and success.
"A lot of girls who are at a really high level had to overcome a lot to get there and had to motivate themselves."

Klompmaker too falls into this category. A natural talent, she continually pushed herself, driving her own dreams and excelling through the highest levels of female hockey - until there were no nearby leagues to play in.
The Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) now give young girls new goals to pursue, and Klompmaker herself made history in the sport providing another success story as encouragement to others.
After the thick of COVID and some time off to focus on post-secondary graduation and work placements, Klompmaker was ready to get back in the game. With no competitive women's teams to join in her region, she shot her shot, or saved her save, as it were, with the Plattsville Lakers of the semi-professional WOSHL men's league.
"I was just kind of going out for fun and seeing what the competition was like. To my surprise, they ended up offering me a spot."

In November, Klompmaker was the first female goalie to start in a WOSHL game. She sealed the deal with an 8-4 victory also making history as the first female to start, get a point, and win a men's semi-pro hockey game in Canada.
The accomplishment was a thrill but her biggest gain was the unexpected realization that she had earned a platform to be that influence to others.
"Some of the fans came to talk to me after the game and some younger girls who play hockey wanted pictures with me, and my autograph," she recalled.
It also opened the door for her to participate in a Canada Life event celebrating women leaders where she was able to meet with a group of young female hockey players to share her story and provide encouragement for their own journey.
"It was nice that this opened up an opportunity to be a role model so that was really rewarding for me."

As she takes a reprieve from playing to focus on obtaining her Actuarial designation, which requires a significant time commitment, Klompmaker has a lot more she wants to share with the next generation.
"I've always dreamed of being involved in a team in that way (coaching), and just teaching others what I know, inspiring them and teaching them to work together."
In the meantime, her exposure has increased her social media following and she's made connections she hopes to keep with younger players to be able to help them through their hockey journey.
"One of the biggest reasons to keep going is you gain so many life lessons and life friends. Beyond just the recognition of being a superstar or making the NHL, it can bring a lot of things to your life and gives you a sense of community together with your teammates."