The Real Iron Men of Hockey

Introduction

The Real Iron Men of Hockey

I began this project in February of 2020 to tell the story about 80+ year-old guys who still play the great game of ice hockey. The survey really began at the prompting of my 4 children who frequently joined me at senior ice hockey tournaments in the U.S. and Canada.

The story of these nonagenarians and octogenarians needs to be told and shared. We all share a love of the game, a special camaraderie.

I am awestruck that these guys continue to play a sport that is so technical, so aggressive, so athletic, and so elegant into their senior years. In the survey, you will see the multi-health issues that these Real Iron Men of Hockey play through.

The Covid-19 pandemic delivered a hard hit to these athletes, with rinks closing and the socialization and exercise ceasing for over a year. As senior players, we live for both as it keeps us sharp and healthy.

Many of these Real Iron Men of Hockey are inductees into the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame. A testament to their passion of the game.

-Fred Merchant