CPL’s oldest player drives Calgary’s Cavalry FC

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/06/2021 (1860 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Canadian Premier League’s elder statesman continues to lead by example and uses his mental resilience to steer Cavalry FC into the right direction as the season’s first week begins.

Nikolas Ledgerwood, 36, is the captain of Cavalry FC based out of Calgary. Despite his age, Ledgerwood says he hasn’t slowed down a bit as he begins his third season with the club.

“It’s funny I still feel very young at heart,” said Ledgerwood.

“I love goofing around, having a good time with the guys but when it gets down to business I’m definitely one that can roll up the sleeves and know how to work.”

The CPL’s oldest player was encouraged by the return of their 28-game season but noted the condensed schedule is demanding on the teams.

“It shows the fans that this league is here to stay, I think somebody said it’s been 285 days since our last game,” said Ledgerwood.

“Three games in six days is what we’re kicking off, it’s tough. Considering the conditions it’s more of a survival and gaining game fitness as you go. It’ll be finding that balance as teams go through the bubble.”

As a locker room leader, Ledgerwood has taken years of experience to mentor the new faces on his team. Events like the condensed 2020 CPL Island Games helped further the mental resilience needed in the sport.

“I try to be that second hand for the coach while I’m out on the field,” said Ledgerwood.

“The island games were an eye opener to what a bubble is like. I think people don’t realize the mental strength that teams and players need to leave their families, friends and lifestyles behind.”

“He’s a leader, he’s influential and he’s a winner,” said Cavalry head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr.

Over a 20 year career, the resident of Lethbridge spent 12 years playing in the second and third division of Germany’s Bundesliga. During these past two decades, Ledgerwood has been called up to the men’s national team 50 times. A chance of a lifetime to see how much the game of football means to the world.

“When you start representing your country, you feel that even more. Putting on that jersey or representing a whole country you just have an unbelievable honour in doing it,” said Ledgerwood.

In 2010, Ledgerwood recalled playing a friendly in Buenos Aires between Canada and Argentina as a standout moment. The match took place for Argentina’s bicentennial anniversary of the Revolución de Mayo that helped them become an independent nation.

“There were 65-70,000 packed Argentinians just wanting to celebrate their country,” said Ledgerwood.

“You’re playing against one of the top 10 countries in the world, seeing these players that you idolized on TV. If you could sit back for a moment and tried to take it in, it was one of those eye opening experiences where you want to hold on to as long as you can.”

Years later, Ledgerwood has taken his experiences overseas to mentor the offensive youth of Cavalry FC including a reunion with their Honduras striker from 2019.

“The truth is I’m very happy to return,” said José Escalante.

“Pitifully I couldn’t go back last year because of the pandemic, but I’m very happy now to be back with the team.”

After notching a goal and an assist in their season debut, Escalante is reminding Cavalry fans why he was an important piece to their team two seasons ago and now has his family by his side.

“My wife and my son are very happy to be with me in Canada, and we hope to spend a lot of time here,” he said.

His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed by the team as Coach Wheeldon says he is returning to his 2019 form.

“José does what José does best, he’s a menace to the opposition,” said Wheeldon Jr.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

The Warm-Up

Winnipeg Jets Game Days

On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.

Sign up for The Warm-Up

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

Ledgerwood says the establishment of this league has done wonders for the growth of soccer in Canada.

“We’re trying to take the steps forward to what Canada needs in this overall landscape of building a soccer country leading up to hosting a World Cup in 2026,” said Ledgerwood.

“Once we have that domestic league with 10-12 teams, and then host a World Cup, I think after that you’ll see a massive boom with soccer in Canada.”

jbernacki@freepress.mb.ca

@JosephBernacki