These Old Puckers still got game
Pictou Old Puckers marking 35th year on Nov. 2
PICTOU, N.S. — Our generation has perhaps experienced the greatest privileges mankind has known. Through advances in science, medicine and technology we are productive and lead interesting lives well into our 80s and 90s. In our northern climate, one of the manifestations of these advances has been continued participation in winter sports. Oldtimer’s hockey is just one of the many activities that has taken root in the past 40 years.
In the past, players who finished minor hockey had little opportunity to continue playing, but this all changed with the proliferation of indoor ice surfaces in the late 1970s. Gentlemens and oldtimers hockey were able to rent ice time that was not suitable for minor hockey. This allowed many levels of hockey experience – from pond hockey to retired professionals – the opportunity to continue playing without the risk of serious injury.
When we hear players speak of their connection to Oldtimers hockey, we cannot help but notice that participation is about passion for the game and the experiences that it offers. These are demonstrated by comments from various players in newspaper articles across Canada.
▪ “He's suffered two heart attacks – one while he was playing. But thanks to some quickthinking teammates, he is back on his blades.”
▪ “Once you hit the ice you don't feel the aches and pains anymore."
▪ “We are lucky to be able to still play, it’s a privilege.”
▪ “We’re legends in our own minds.”
Perhaps this passion extends way back to our childhood and
formative years when, as young boys, we played together, on the ball field, the frozen ponds, the toboggan slopes and in abandoned buildings. These were times where energy was in inexhaustible, responsibilities of life were few, freedom was plentiful, and fun was the reward.
Many hockey players still lace up there skates well into their 70s and 80s. Few sports provide this unique opportunity.
Being on the ice with friends leaves the rest of the world behind and briefly allows us to escape everyday stresses. This story is retold at each game or each oldtimers tournament in every community, big and small, across Canada.
While preparing this essay, I searched the internet to learn about others who enjoy the oldtimer hockey experience. It was obvious that the experiences of other groups have many similar characteristics. This was not a total surprise to the writer who experienced this first-hand while playing with other groups
in Canada and the U.S. The following excerpts tell this story.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS
Being physically fit in our latter years is a necessary component for good health, however, I believe it is a by-product. The love of the game is the primary motivation as supported by;
▪ “My attitude is that I am still fortunate that I can still bend down and do up my skates.”
▪ “Obviously, athleticism and being able to stay fit are the reasons for playing.”
▪ “The camaraderie is the social aspect.”
COMPANIONSHIP, SOCIALIZING AND CAMARADERIE
The current older generation is experiencing opportunities to be physically active for many years which can be challenging when family have moved away and work is finished. The need for contact and companionship
can become greater. Oldtimers hockey has helped alleviate this.
▪ “For our team it’s about the camaraderie, the time in the dressing room. It’s around the conversations and the stories back and forth.”
▪ “The people in the room make it fun. You’ve got to have a thick skin in the dressing room.”
▪ “It’s early Sunday morning and hockey’s churches are filled at the pews.”
▪ “Although these guys worship hockey, it has nothing to do with the Holy Grail and Lord Stanley’s Cup. Instead, they’re stickhandling through all the socializing and post-game guffaws.”
▪ “The passion on the ice is palpable, but after, the tension breaks when jokes are told.”
▪ “It brings together players for the love of the game. The friendships they make can last forever.”
In Pictou, the Old Pucker’s Hockey Club have offered all of this for the past 35 years.