Team Canada, the 80-plus hockey version, will have two local skaters on the squad as they get set for a four-team tournament from October 21 to 24 in Burlington.
David Mallette, 84, and John Snowden, 81, have been selected for the team. To be eligible for Team Canada, a player must already be a member of the 80-plus Hockey Hall of Fame.
For that to happen, a player of 80-plus years in age must be an active participant (or organizer) in hockey, be nominated, receive acknowledgment of the candidate’s sound character and good sportsmanship, and meet other similar requirements.
Mallette is originally from Montreal but now lives in the Parry Sound-Muskoka area, while Snowden is a Huntsville native who left after high school and returned around 15 years ago.
They both play regularly in Huntsville at the Canada Summit Centre with various age groups (65-plus, 70-plus, and 76-plus). It is definitely not a common thing for those over 80 to be that active.
Snowden says it’s a thrill to be part of the team for the first time and to still be playing hockey at this age. He grew up playing minor hockey in Huntsville.
“First of all, I’m happy to be above ground,” he jokes. “I never thought that I would still be playing. And I’m surprised at the number of people we have, and to see all the people that are still playing. There were five in the Hall of Fame last year from Huntsville.”
Mallette is heading to his fourth straight 80-plus Team Canada event and was named captain last year.
In the first three years, it was Team Canada versus Team USA in a two-day event for the cup. This year, it’s a little different as there will be four teams participating instead of just two.
There will be two teams from Canada, a national team and the Senior Skatesmen from Ottawa, along with two teams from south of the border.
They’ll play a round-robin with the top Canadian team playing the top American team for the cup, with the other two fighting for pride in a third-place game.
The whole tournament will take place at Applebee Arena in Burlington. Win or lose, it’s certain that the 80-plus aged players will have a great time on (and off) the ice, explains Mallette.
“It’s just wonderful,” says Mallette. “Most of the guys bring their wives and even when we play the Americans, we know a lot of the American guys because we’ve been playing various tournaments against them over the years, and they bring their wives and it’s jolly. You know, there’s lots of good camaraderie and lots of fun, but on the ice it’s very competitive.”
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Awh, this is amazing! Way to go, gentlemen! You’ve lived your lives fully, doing what you love — and there’s no greater honour than representing Canada with pride, no matter your age. What a beautiful example of spirit, sportsmanship, and community. Congratulations, and thank you for showing that passion for the game never retires.
Congratulations to Snowy and David. Both men inspire so many who continue to play the greatest game as calendar pages turn. Enjoy your experience. Go Canada!