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filler@godaddy.com
Introducing Greg Lopatka - A Real Iron Man (80+)
Greg Lopatka is an Iron Man who originally hails from Chicago, Illinois. [February 2023]
The Iron Inquisitor : When did you start playing?
Greg : I began my hockey career very late in life, when I was in college.
The Iron Inquisitor : How old are you today (February 2023)?
Greg : I will be 83 in 2 weeks.
The Iron Inquisitor : Tell us a little about this picture on the left.
Greg : This picture was taken after my greatest moment in Hockey; I thought about retiring after that night. My 13-year-old great granddaughter, Carmela, started skating with us, she was as good as many of us Duffers. That night, she scored early and then her dad and grandpa scored. Then it happened on my last shift, I got a pass from my grandson and I scored, giving us goals from 4 generations.
Carmela quit (L to R) Greg Lopatka (83), Ken Lopatka (61), Mike Lopatka (34) Front, Carmela Lopatka (13)
The Iron Inquisitor : How often do you lace up these days?
Greg : I have been playing every Friday since September, except for one week when I got Covid, just before Christmas.
The Iron Inquisitor : Where do you normally play?
Greg : We play at Canlan Ice Rink in Romeoville Illinois. We play every Friday at 8:20, September through May. We will take a train to Buffalo so that we can play in the KeyBank arena on April 13 after the Sabres play Ottawa. The next day, we will play in their practice rink that is located on the 6th floor of the Marriott. We can take the elevator to our game.
The Iron Inquisitor : Any health issues? How long do you plan to play?
Greg : I was ready to quit when I was 65 with painful hips. I had my right hip replaced in 2005 and then my left was replaced in 2006. I have had no pain playing with those hips. My knees are good. I plan to play until my knees tell me to quit.
The Iron Inquisitor : Tell us a little more about your hockey life.
Greg : Well, Emil Ludi showed me your book and told me that I should be in it. So let's get Volume 2 rolling. My team The Duffers will take a train road trip to Buffalo on April 13. Coach Granato has arranged for us to play at the KeyBank Rink after the Sabres play Ottawa. We will play another game on Friday in their practice rink. We did that last April, after they played the Blackhawks. Head coach Don Granato played with us when he was a teen, so he is happy to roll out the red carpet for us. We even had free beer in our locker rooms. His Dad Don Sr. is over 80 and had to quit a few years ago because of health problems. He and his brother Bob will be on the train to Buffalo.
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This is Joe Derraugh - A Real Iron Man (80+)
Joe Derraugh is a true Iron Man who hails from Ottawa, Ontario.
Hull, Quebec.
The Iron Inquisitor : Hello Joe, Whaddaya Know?
Joe : We need a goal, so here I go!
The Iron Inquisitor : Where do you live today, Joe?
When did you start playing?
Tony : I started playing fun shinny on the family farm pond/rink with siblings & neighbours at about age 6 or 7 (am 3rd youngest of family of 15 children....11 boys & 4 girls). Started organized minor hockey at about age 14. And continued thru High School, Junior & Varsity.
The Iron Inquisitor : How often are you playing now?
Tony : I'm now playing well organized shinny 2 times weekly with the 60+ Ancient Mariners.... and skating briskly 2 or 3 other times each week.
The Iron Inquisitor : What rink ?
Tony : Shearwater Rink for hockey ....... & skating at Cole Harbour Place & the RBC Centre.
The Iron Inquisitor : What health issues do you still play with ?
Tony : Although none currently, have over the years (like most other players) suffered hamstring & the like injuries requiring physio treatments.
The Iron Inquisitor : How many more years do you hope to play ?
Tony : I will be 87 in April of 2023 ... so... if health holds up should play until 90.
The Iron Inquisitor : What other good words would you like to share?
Tony : Yes. The 1956 picture with all those Andreas ... While all are closely related the following in Back Row are my brothers : John (coach), Eugene, Elias, Tony (me) & Gabe are Brothers. As well as (in Front Row ) Jake & Bernie. The remainder ...from 2 different families... are close relatives IE; Mickey (back row) & Ron Bomber (front row) are brothers ....&... Bobby & Teddie (both front row) are brothers.