Six hockey players from Waterloo area being inducted into 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame

A group of local hockey players are being inducted into the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame. CTV’s Colton Wiens reports.

Six hockey players from the K-W Daytimers league are set to be inducted into the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The hall of fame is a not-for-profit organization that nationally recognizes active recreational hockey players who are 80-years-old or older.

“It’s a privilege to get into it, you know that they recognize us old guys still putting the skates on and having a good time,” Paul Paleczny, the 81-year-old commissioner of the Daytimers, said.

“After the last batch of guys went in a couple years ago, and we were talking about how we would be next,” Ron Rockel, an 80-year-old player, said. “One of those guys isn’t with us anymore. So, it’s a real privilege to still be here and, like he said, we play because we can and it’s better than the alternatives.”

“It’s a celebration of the game and our place in the game,” 81-year-old Scott McRae said. “We all played at different levels, and we just love the game enough that we’re still going to try,”

“For a guy who just played street hockey. This is great. It’s really special,” Jim Litwiller, an 81-year-old, said. “There’s a whole bunch of our chums that either can’t play anymore or have passed away. So, we’re the fortunate ones.”

The six Daytimers, along with 24 other senior players from southern Ontario, will be inducted during a special ceremony. The full day event includes an alumni game and an induction game at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

One of the inductees this year is 81-year-old goalie Alf Kaldma, who plays twice a week with the Daytimers.

“I’ve been a goalie for 53 years now,” Kaldma said.

Kaldma said he started learning to play goalie because the recreation league he was in always needed a netminder. So, he learned how the position worked by reading a book written by Jacques Plante.

“In a way, it just keeps you going. I’m almost afraid to stop, so to speak, because I don’t want to seize up,” Kaldma said.

After more than five decades of strapping on the pads, Kaldma said it comes with it’s challenges now.

“The hardest part is getting your body to do what your brain says it should do. I don’t move anywhere near as fast anymore. But as long as I can stop that puck at least, well, 60 per cent of the time, I’m happy,” Kaldma said.

Other inductees said they keep playing the sport not only for the fitness, but also for the camaraderie.

“It’s a love, really. I just thoroughly enjoy. But just as much in here, in the dressing room or on the bench as on the ice,” Dave Talbot, an 80-year-old, said.

While it can be a hassle to pack up a hockey bag and bring it all to a rink, the retirees said it’s worth every minute.

“Getting the hockey bag and trying to put on your skates is nothing compared to being able to get out on the ice and try to make a few plays,” McRae said.

“It’s worth that plus, not only is it a fun time, it’s exercise. It’s good exercise,” Kaldma said.

“A lot of chirping in the dressing room. You got to have a very thick skin to be in here, that’s for sure,” Paleczny said. “And we’re the coffee club, too. We go for a coffee and muffins afterwards. No more beer and chicken wings,” Paleczny said