They’re not the Border Bruins, but their passion for the game hasn’t changed.
The Grand Forks Arena is occupied during early weekday mornings with spry senior men from around the community.
Vern Walsh, a member of senior hockey team, is enthusiastic about the time they get on the ice.
“It gives us all an opportunity to play hockey and it’s a great way for everyone to get or stay in shape,” he said. “It’s something that we love to come and do.”
In its third season, the recreational program has been going smoothly.
“The seniors used to have to skate at 9:45 at night, so it’s really great for them to come out earlier,” Lilly Bryant, a program co-ordinator at the recreation centre, said.
The drop-in program for the winter season runs from September to the end of March and allows seniors to come and go at their convenience.
“There are a lot of guys who are 55 and older that are good players,” said Bryant. “It can be very challenging for those who wish to drop-in but haven’t played or skated before.”
Byrant added, “We have a lot of people come out for it and the change in times has made the program very successful.”
The Centre has added Monday to the schedule for seniors who have limited experience or wish to play at a slower pace as another day to play.
Walsh doesn’t believe that age is a factor when playing hockey.
“We’re all 60 and over, but we have another group that plays on Monday that is 65 plus, so we’ve got people here in their early 70s and even in his mid-70s,” he chuckled. “We’re just having the time of our life.”
Senior men in the community are encouraged to come out and enjoy the game.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a great group of guys and it’s casual hockey,” Walsh stated. “It’s everyone doing what they can and having a good time.”
The group, however, is looking for goalies.
“We seem to be having a hard time looking for goaltenders, so if there’s any goaltenders out there, we’d sure like to see you.”
Recreational games occur every week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday’s in the morning. Monday begin at 8:45 a.m. for seniors 65-years and older, while Tuesday and Thursday’s start at 9:15 a.m. for seniors 55 and older.
New members are always welcome.