Of pucks and fellowship
Mount Pearl rec hockey league celebrating 40 years
They range in age from 37 to 67. They play hard, they play to win, and the boys in the Mount Pearl Men’s Recreation Hockey League are having a ball while they’re at it.
One of the longest serving recreation hockey circuits in the province is 40-years-old this winter, and league organizers have some big plans made to celebrate the milestone.
It started with opening night back in October, and continues with an alumni game March 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Mount Pearl Glacier, which will include the raising of a 40th anniversary banner. Each of the nine league presidents will be in attendance and playing will be Newfoundland’s own Mr. Hockey, Hall of Famer George Faulkner, who took a twirl once or twice in the league.
A reception will be held following the game at the Glacier’s lounge.
Then, on March 11, a dinner and dance is planned for the Reid Community Centre.
Featuring eight teams, the league plays each and every Tuesday night at both Glacier rinks. Given the player interest, said president Steve MacDonald, there could easily be 10 or more teams if more ice time was available.
Since Day 1, there have been literally thousands of players to come and go. Open to skaters 37-years-old and over, there are some very good players in the league, but most are average.
“It’s competitive every year,” MacDonald said. “There is no one team that is dominant.
“We have a draft every year and players are ranked according to ability. That way we ensure all teams are fairly equal, and it gives everyone a chance to play with each other through the years.
“You see a lot of friendships built through this league.”
Put two teams on the ice, a puck and a referee and chances are players are out there to win. This league isn’t an exception, although MacDonald cautions any foolishness is not tolerated.
“Drop the gloves and you’re out,” he said. “You’ll look like an idiot if you’re not being a gentleman in this league. “There’s respect all around.” Playoffs are scheduled to get under way shortly after the March 11 dinner and dance.