Lee Boyadjian
When you’ve spent years playing hockey, it’s hard to imagine there is another—maybe even better—way to engage with the game. At least that’s what Calvin Swustus Jr. used to believe, until he came across the Salish Storm Hockey Association (SSHA) with his youngest daughter, Maleah, four years ago.
“For me, to see it with my own eyes fired me up to want to give back because… hockey saved me,” Swustus says. “Hockey built me to who I am today.”
Today, Swustus is an impactful community leader in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Not only is he a council member of the Cowichan Tribes, but in 2024 he was elected to BC Hockey’s Board of Directors. He has been recognized for his commitment to the game at both the provincial and national level and has been an assistant coach for Maleah’s team. But it is his role as coach and cultural advisor for Salish Storm's Cowichan program that remains his top priority.
“I adjust my schedule around hockey for the kids,” Swustus laughs, explaining he’s changed his work schedule to allow him to make it back in time for the Storm.
“He brings both the cultural aspect to it, but also just that enthusiasm he has for hockey. He’s an absolute lover of the game,” says Alan Macdonald, founder and director of SSHA. “I think that’s really important, having that passion for the game… and a real focus for the kids in his community.”
The SSHA began about six years ago to give Indigenous youth a barrier-free introduction to hockey. There are currently programs running in Nanaimo, Cowichan (Duncan), Saanich and Vancouver with a hope to expand soon.
All the equipment is provided, thanks in part to a generous contribution from the National Hockey League Players’ Association Goals and Dreams fund. Ice time is covered by the association. But the program is so much more than just skates and sticks.
Every ice session starts with a traditional song, drumming or teaching by an elder or a leader. Swustus drums before all of his practices and the players often join in, banging their sticks on the ice. It creates a feeling of community and of family.
“It keeps it encouraging for all players so when they’re super, super new, they don’t feel ashamed that they keep falling,” Swustus says. “I remember my first time stepping on the ice, when I fell, I looked back at my dad and thought, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ but he wouldn’t let me off the ice.
“[I’m] glad he didn’t.”
Swustus credits his father for his introduction to the game and helping him build a thick skin when faced with racial discrimination from opposing teams as the lone Indigenous player on many of his minor hockey teams. While those memories remain, they don’t haunt him. Instead, Swustus reflects on how the Salish Storm is making hockey more accessible for Indigenous youth, with more transitioning into minor hockey every year.
“I was tying up Maleah’s skates when another parent was in the hallway and yelled, ‘Cal! This is our daughter’s first year of minor hockey, all thanks to you guys, Salish Storm,’” Swustus says, adding he often gets called ‘coach’ even when he sees a Storm player away from the rink.
“It really feels honourable, having young individuals who have that respect for you,” Swustus says. “It gives me that fire to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Swustus has big dreams for the SSHA to expand into other First Nations or add development programming (like speed skating) for Indigenous youth in minor hockey programs. Macdonald says these goals make Swustus a real asset to the program, and they’re proud to have him as part of the team.
“Cal and I really share a passion for getting the kids involved,” Macdonald says. “And when the kids see Cal, many of them know him already. They respect him and they like him.”
That’s really what any young player wants. A coach who wants to be there at the rink, with them.
“I remember the awesome coaches I had, and I want to be an awesome coach,” Swustus says with a smile. “I want to be remembered as an awesome coach.”