The USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame was created to honor players 80 years and older who continue to play the game and inspire generations of hockey players with their passion and perseverance.

Housed at the Blue Sport Stable in Superior, the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame is an entity created to recognize the remarkable group within the 80-plus hockey community who continue to play and/or contribute to the game’s culture and legacy. Inductees in the hall embody the spirit of perseverance, passion, and dedication, coupled with healthy aging, thus inspiring future generations within the hockey community and beyond. The hall is governed by a board of directors and its activities are managed by the founding director and members of the board.

The establishment of the hall of fame is a result of the inspiration of an 88-year-old active hockey player, Fred Merchant, who set about identifying current players and hockey builders 80 years and older and writing about their journey. This effort resulted in the publication of the Real Ironmen of Hockey and the start of an initiative to continue the identification of this fast-growing segment of sports participation.

“The idea of a USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame came from a simple truth as we are now all watching men and women 80 and over lacing up their skates and participating in a sport that challenges the body and brain,” said Merchant. “The returns to these ‘super seniors’ from this great sport are fraternity, camaraderie, community, and better health.”

Merchant easily found a supportive group to his vision within his regular hockey playing community at the Blue Sport Stable and from that group, established a 501(c)3 and a board of directors.    

“The board of directors approached Mr. Tony Sdao, majority owner of their home rink, the Blue Sport Stable, with a proposal to permanently house the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame at his facility and to annually host a Legends game and induction event,” explained Merchant. “Mr. Sdao, a national leader in sports facility development, an accomplished hockey player himself, with sons Michael, currently an NHL scout with the New Jersey Devils and Jonathan involved with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, agreed to this proposal, and made it clear he would be a supportive advocate of the growth and expansion of this USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame.”

This year’s induction ceremony will take place on October 4 at the Blue Sport Stable and will include a celebration of new inductees along with stories, camaraderie, and community recognition, along with the Legends game.

“The board of directors, the Blue Sport Stable staff, and members of the Long Hockey community have been working tirelessly to host this first annual induction event,” said Merchant. “The USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes it is time to honor these special people by holding a first-time induction event of 36 players and builders. 

“Among those being inducted include seven Coloradoans who will participate in this year’s upcoming 80+ weekend series against Canada, two former NHL players over 80 who still play this great game, a local hockey hero and successful realtor, Bill Goodacre, and Charles Schulz, cartoonist and founder of the now 50-year-old Snoopy World Ice Hockey Tournament. Additionally, a young Canadian lady of 81 who skates with a male team in Quebec and a 99-year-old gentleman (now deceased) who holds the Guinness Book of Records honor as the oldest hockey player in the world. Sixteen inductees will participate in the Legends game.”

Following the Legends hockey game, there will be a reception for the inductees with the local hockey community and then an induction banquet and awards ceremony, all held at the Blue Sport Stable. The legends game participants come from 11 states with one from Canada.

Nominees must be 80 years of age or older and either active players or persons who have contributed as a “builder” to a hockey community in some capacity. Nominations must be completed online, but potential nominees can be brought to the attention of any board member.

Merchant said he has a bright outlook for the hall and ways of keeping it sustainable.

“The momentum the USA 80+ HHOF has experienced in only a few short months is unprecedented,” said Merchant. “This initiative has caught the attention of not only the national hockey community but also those recognizing the contribution of this sport to healthy aging. Boulder Community Hospital has stepped forward as a major financial sponsor as they have recognized how the hall’s efforts support not just physical health and wellness but also cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Unsolicited financial contributions have been realized, significant hockey memorabilia have been received, and just experiencing the excitement of those being inducted, are all signs that this initiative is significant and has rapidly taken hold.

“The USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame is being quickly institutionalized and will be an increasingly important component within the U.S. hockey community going forward.”

For more information, visit www.usa80plushockeyhalloffame.com and the hall’s Facebook page.

Photos provided

— Matt Mackinder

(August 24, 2025)