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.

Back in early October, the first induction weekend was held with 36 players and builders being part of the historic event.

Starting with an evening reception of out-of-town inductees and their families hosted by the board of directors, the next day featured a “Legends” hockey game showcasing 16 of the inductees followed by an induction banquet with each player being individually honored. The event included a memorabilia room, an online auction, and an 8U youth hockey exhibition from the Boulder Hockey Club.

Over 150 people attended the evening induction event.

A diverse group of current 80+ players and contributors to hockey opportunities for the older hockey community were honored during the weekend, many of whom had been featured in “The Real Ironmen of Hockey” publication authored by Fred Merchant, who was also named Player of the Game in the “Legends” game for his two goals and outstanding team play.

The group also includes two ex-NHL players in Bill Orban (North Stars and Chicago) and Terry Harper (five Stanley Cup rings with Montreal), and in memoriam, local hockey legend and real estate company owner Bill Goodacre, Charles Schulz, cartoonist and founder of the Snoopy World Ice Hockey Tournament now in its 50th year, and Mark Sertich, listed in the Guinness World Book of Records as the oldest hockey player at 99. 

Additionally, Ginette Hatin, 81, the oldest woman still playing regularly (Quebec) along with seven Colorado players who recently represented the U.S. against Canada in the 80+ Canada Cup series held in Burlington, Ont., among others. Inductees represented 11 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. 

What does the future hold for the hall of fame?

The 80+ HHOF is a developing entity having only been established in the spring of 2025. Securing a permanent home at the Blue Sport Stable and the backing of the Long Hockey community has been significant in its early growth and development. Sponsors include Boulder Community Health, Colorado Avalanche Alumni, Revesco Properties, Goodacre Real Estate, Maxx Properties, Prudent Man Investment Management, Inc., Alpine Investment and TriStar Steel, among others. Planning has already begun for next year’s “Legends” game and induction event.

USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame inductees present at the ceremony

Colorado: David Canaday, Robert Clarke, Al Bowie, John Case, Don Cameron, Craig Kocian, Fred Merchant, Clark Smyth

California: Terry Harper and Dick Kenarney

Florida: Harry Himmel

Alaska: Jim Reese

Illinois: Emil Ludy

New Hampshire: Ken McKinnon (bench coach)

Saskatchewan, Canada: Bill Orban

Other inductees who have passed or were unable to attend the event

Minnesota: Mark Sertich

Colorado: Bill Goodacre

California: Charles Schulz and Rick Lohnes

Montreal, Quebec: Larry Bergeron

Florida: Norm Foster, Rich Haskell, Paul Plourde, Tom Mills and Gordon France

New Jersey: Vic Godleski

Massachusetts: Tom Gorman, Ed Reynolds and Jack Kievit

La Prairie, Quebec:  Ginette Hatin

Illinois: Gregory Lopatka

Gatineau, Quebec: Moe Marchand

Owen Sound, Ontario: Dave Moore

Alaska: Frank Nosek

Ottawa, Ontario: Ray Wardle

Raymond Chauvet

Photo provided by Patrick Long

— Matt Mackinder

(November 28, 2025)