Courtesy of Wayne Liddell
Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association (LOSA) was born in 1975. The idea came about while the city and surrounding area was preparing to host the 2nd Annual National Oldtimers Hockey Tournament. That tournament was held on Feb 14, 15 and 16, 1976 in Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Taber, Coaldale and Standoff.
LOSA founders, while busy helping plan and host the tournament, decided to form a recreational league in Lethbridge and enter teams in the Nationals. LOSA was the brain child of 8 founders: Les Colwill, Steve Arisman, Bob Jacobson, Hector Negrello, Mallie Hughes, Doug Harold, Kenny Dore and Sid Hall.
The original philosophy was one that put emphasis on family and social events as well as recreation. Sponsorship from the Lethbridge Brewery and Amalgamated Beverages, as well as a great relationship with the new Sporstplex was a huge benefit to the organization. There were many non-playing members and all levels of hockey skill were encouraged to join.
All members were expected to contribute to the many social events where wives and family were always included. The only event that was catered was the “Ladies Appreciation Night”, which was a dress up formal event. All members had duties during the annual LOSA tournament. In the early years there were many fund raising efforts and LOSA sent teams to international tournaments in Scotland and Switzerland. These trips included excursions and sightseeing as well as hockey. Some of the non-playing members and families were part of the group.
As well as competing in annual local tournaments in western Canada, they again sent 3 teams to the 10th annual Oldtimers tournament in Calgary in 1984. In 1987 and again in 1990, LOSA played the Flying Fathers in a game hosted by the Lethbridge Community College.
By 1987, LOSA expanded to 6 teams and sometime around 1992-93 grew to 8 teams. Currently we have 8 night league teams, 4 day league teams, and now two 70+ teams!