The Real Iron Men of Hockey

Celebrate hockey excellence with The USA 80+Hockey Hall Of Fame, a prestigious initiative dedicated to honor the players and builders whose love for the game defies age and builds the legacy of hockey in the USA.

Our mission is to recognize and celebrate these exceptional individuals and the contributions they have made to the hockey community. We hope to inspire future generations that will embrace the game with the same enthusiasm and perseverance.

We invite you to be part of this new and exciting endeavor. Whether through sponsorship, nomination or spreading the word. Your support is invaluable in making the USA 80+Hockey Hall a beacon of recognition for these super seniors.

We thank you for supporting the spirit of the game and these athletes who love hockey and the camaraderie and fraternity it provides.

For more information and a list of board members please visit https://teamusaplayers.org/usa-80-hall-of-fame/

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