The boys of winter get their due

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Spearheaded by Maurice “Moe” Marchand, the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame was established and held its first ceremony in 2011. As the name suggests, the organization inducts active hockey players and builders over the age of 80. At the ceremony in 2011, five inductees were honoured. The most recent induction ceremony, held last month at the Jim Durrell Recreational Centre in Ottawa saw 29 people — two builders and 27 players —inducted, including for the first time, octogenarians from Newfoundland.

Four players from Newfoundland were inducted, including Felix Collins of Paradise, who plays with Paradise Shinny, a group that laces up the skates every week at the Double Ice Complex; Andrew “Andy” Ennis of Placentia, who plays with Placentia Recreational Hockey; Howard Sooley of Heart’s Delight, who plays with the Heart’s Delight-Islington Hockey Club; and Ernie “Ern” Walsh of St. John’s, who plays with the Placentia Bay Youth Hockey Association. 

Collins, a right-winger, will be 82 in July. The former MHA and cabinet minister plays in both Paradise Shinny’s over 50 and over 60 leagues. 

While at first he thought the idea of a Hall of Fame for players over the age of 80 was a “cool idea,” Collins did not plan to accept the invitation to the induction ceremony. 

“But the more we thought about it and the more we discussed it, the more we realized, you know, how many people are fortunate enough to still be able to participate at that level at this age?” said Collins. “And I started to reflect on how lucky I am and how fortunate I am to still be able to do that, because a lot of the people I played with, and a lot of the teams I played on, a lot of the people are no longer with us, and some of those who are, are not able to participate in anything strenuous. So, because I’m so fortunate, so lucky, why shouldn’t I celebrate? It’s a milestone… It’s sort of a reflection. It’s a celebration of longevity.” 

Collins described the ceremony as a family affair, giving people a chance to celebrate their dads, grandfathers, and brothers getting inducted into a hall of fame.

“All four of us had all of our families present, as did the other players,” said Collins. “It was a big turnout. It was a really memorable event.” 

It also left an impression on the family members of the inductees, he allowed.

“I don’t think they had realized the meaning of it all, that these people could still participate at that age level,” he explained.

That multiple Newfoundland players were being inducted together made the experience even more special, said Collins. “Two of these other three I knew personally, so it was good to be able to go in with people that I played with and knew for quite some time,” he added.

The induction consisted of two parts — a hockey game played between two teams of inductees, followed by the ceremony itself. At the event, Ontario Premier Doug Ford congratulated the inductees on their accomplishment. 

“Your achievements will serve to show us how to age with strength,” Ford said. “I know you will inspire future generations of athletes to come.” 

Andrew Furey also spoke at the ceremony, making it one of his last official duties. 

“You’ve shown us that the love of sport has no age limit — and that staying active, connected, and involved is something to be celebrated at every stage of life,” said Furey. “Thank you for blazing the trail, for sharing your stories, and for reminding us all of the joy and camaraderie that hockey brings.”