This weekend marks a significant milestone in the hockey community as several elder players are honored for their dedication. The Canadian 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame is holding its induction ceremony to celebrate both active and retired players who have made notable contributions to adult recreational hockey in Canada.
Canadian 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The ceremony is set to take place on Saturday at Merlis Belsher Place in Saskatoon, hosted by the Saskatoon 60+ Hockey League. This event continues the tradition previously established in 2018 and 2022, recognizing those who exemplify a lifelong love for hockey.
Inductees and Recognition
A total of thirty-six players aged 80 and above will be inducted into the hall of fame. Most of these inductees are active players from the Saskatoon 60+ Hockey League, while others hail from various locations across Western Canada.
- Wilmer Ostapowich will be honored posthumously in the builders category.
- Three former NHL players will also be inducted:
- Terry Harper – Winner of five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.
- Garry Peters – A Stanley Cup champion with Montreal in 1965.
- Bill Orban – Played 114 games in the NHL during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Encouraging Active Lifestyles
Herb Brennen, president of the hall and a former inductee, highlighted the importance of this event for the families of the players. Many inductees have children and grandchildren who have never seen them play. Brennen emphasizes this as a vital family occasion.
Since the program began in 2011, the hall has hosted three induction ceremonies annually to manage attendance. Brennen noted this year’s induction will bring the total number of members in the hall to over 500.
Inspirational Stories
Ken Crump, a long-time player in the Saskatoon league and league president, expressed excitement for the ceremony. He shared that many players have been participating in hockey since childhood. He noted that playing into their 80s—or even 90s—is becoming more common.
Stan Halliwell, 91, a co-founder of the Saskatoon 60+ Hockey League, will also be recognized. He remains an active player and advises others to stay engaged and active.
Ceremony Schedule
The day’s events will kick off at 1 p.m. CST with a friendly game between a 75+ team and an Under-15 girls hockey team. The hall of fame game featuring inductees from various years will follow at 2:30 p.m. The main induction ceremony will take place later that evening at the Western Development Museum, expected to draw around 750 attendees.
List of 2023 Inductees
| Name |
|---|
| Peter Rolston |
| Gerry Simmonds |
| Bill Orban |
| John Grismer |
| Dennis Klath |
| Fred Wilson |
| Peter Krysak |
| Marvin Mountney |
| Ed Hobday |
| Allan Haubrich |
| Steve Terlesky |
| Robert Julé |
| Armond Meagher |
| Arvid Nillson |
| Donald Buchko |
| Richard Zurburg |
| Barry Heath |
| Victor Fortosky |
| Garry Peters |
| John Garbutt |
| Bruce Meilicke |
| Larry Rachinsky |
| Kenneth McKnight |
| Ken Crump |
| Jack Mohr |
| Ray Goss |
| Gordon Pierce |
| Terry Grindle |
| James Steele |
| Harvey Birns |
| Terry Harper |
| Ed Haussecker |
| Kaz Pacholik |
| Garry Deters |
| Allan Irvine |
| Wilmer Ostapowich (posthumously) |
This event showcases the enduring spirit of hockey players and their commitment to remain active and engaged in the sport they love well into their senior years.
