Canada will have a team in the inaugural year of women’s ice hockey at the 21st Maccabiah Games. Syracuse graduate and Orange hockey alum Shelby Calof ’22 had a direct hand in making this historical appearance happen. The Orange defenseman from 2018 to 2022 helped lead the efforts to organize the team and the Canadian entry into the international tournament, which is one of the largest in the world. Calof and her teammates will travel to Jerusalem, Israel to compete from July 12-26.
“It means a lot to represent Canada, but it means more to represent my religion,” Calof said. “Not a lot of people know about the games, but it is the third biggest international tournament in the world.”
The Olympic-style games bring together 10,000 Jewish athletes representing 80 countries and participating in more than 40 different sports every four years. United States of America, Canada and Israel will compete for the first hockey gold medal at the games.
“We are focused on growing the game, specifically in the Jewish community,” Calof said. “We want to show those who play in Israel it is possible for them to continue playing even though the hockey isn’t that popular there.”
Calof skated in 119 games for the Orange recording 28 points (5 G, 23 A). In her senior season Calof was named CHA Defenseman of the Week two times and earned Battle at the Burgh All-Tournament team honors. Calof earned her undergraduate degree in psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. In the fall of 2022 Calof will attend the University of Ottawa to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
Former McGill University women’s head coach Peter Smith will coach the Canadian team at the Maccabiah Games. The winningest coach in McGill program history, Smith also served as an assistant coach with the 2010 Canadian women’s team who won the gold medal.
FULL SCHEDULE:
Wednesday July 13th – 6:30 am (ET) Israel vs. USA
Friday, July 15th – 6:30 am (ET) Canada vs. Israel
Monday, July 18th – 10:00 am (ET) USA vs. Canada
Tuesday July 19th – 3:30 pm (ET) USA vs. Israel
Wednesday, July 20th – 9:00 am (ET) Canada vs. USA
Thursday, July 21st – 6:30 am (ET) Israel vs. Canada
Friday, July 22nd – 3:00 am (ET) #1 vs. #2 Gold Medal Game
