Rusty Blades
months.”
Who are the Rusty Blades?
When members of the Rusty Blades heard of AJ’s diagnosis, from his great uncle and former Blades player Buff Congdon, the senior hockey organization decided to set up a benefit game for AJ.
“I can’t thank the Rusty Blades enough for doing this,” Buff, 76, said. “This was their idea, they called me and said they want to play a game for AJ and it just took off. Those guys are the best. Can’t thank them enough.”
The Rusty Blades were founded by longtime Telegram & Gazette reporter, the late Joe Capillo, in the 1990s, providing an opportunity for people 60 years and older to play recreational hockey in Worcester on a weekly basis.
“We’re an organization of old-timers that still enjoy the game of hockey and we’re thankful that we — at our ages — can continue to play the game that we love,” said Rich Turcotte, a 69-year-old from West Boylston who hung up his skates in 2019 but still writes a monthly newsletter for the Rusty Blades.
Through the years, the Rusty Blades have hosted benefit games for Relay For Life while raising over $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This winter, they’re playing for AJ. “I think that’s right in line with what the Rusty Blades are all about,” Turcotte said. “Helping others and pitching in where we can.”
Hockey community rallies around AJ
Two days before his final radiation treatment, AJ Congdon found himself on center ice at the DCU Center ahead of a Worcester Railers game last month.
Donning an orange and blue Railers cape on Super Hero Sunday, the avid skier performed the ceremonial puck drop before taking pictures with Railers assistant captain Blade Jenkins and Trax the mascot.
“It was amazing. It really was,” AJ’s mother said. “He just has always, ever since he was young, thrived on being in the (middle) of everything.”
Next Saturday, AJ will once again be on center ice performing the ceremonial puck drop in a benefit game held in his honor.
It’s been a difficult few months for the 8-year-old from Oxford, but the ongoing support from the community — and hockey world — has meant the world to AJ and his family.
“We’ve been a part of this community for so long, and we’ve known how great this community is,” Jamie Congdon said. “To feel the effects not only from people around us, but people who have heard AJ’s story and want to donate and give, just speaks to how great this area is and the community makes us very appreciative of everyone we have in our life and everyone there to support our son.”
“He’s a great kid. He’s a real character,” Buff Congdon said. “We need all the help we can get. We want everybody at this game.”
— Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.