Some of Saskatoon’s oldest hockey players are looking to help children fall in love with the sport they’ve been playing for decades. Dozens of members of the Saskatoon 60-plus Hockey League joined some of its eldest colleagues at Schroh Arena Friday for a $10,000 donation ceremony to KidSport, where organizer and 1965 Stanley Cup champion Garry Peters shot one of five pucks into the opposing net. Each puck represented a $2,000 donation to the non-profit organization to help make sports more accessible to local youth. “There’s a lot of kids out there that their buddies are playing hockey or soccer or whatever sport it is, and they tell them, ‘Come play with us and they would tell them, let’s, come and play with us,’” Peters said. “And they say, ‘No, I don’t like that sport.’ And what they’re doing is making excuses because they know their parents cannot afford it.” Peters has been involved with KidSport for the past 40 years and understands donations like this not only help ease the financial burden for families in the area, but can also help keep them active and introduce children to the camaraderie that brings many of these seniors back to the rink twice a week during the fall and winter. “It’s just a thrill to see them out here on the ice playing and enjoying themselves and having a good time,” Peters said. “And then they’ll have a couple beers after. Then the stories really start.” Stan Halliwell is one of the league’s oldest players at 92 years old. He’s been playing hockey since he was 10 and says it’s the people he’s met and the lasting friendships that keep hockey exciting. “I’ve met hundreds of people I wouldn’t have met otherwise if it wasn’t for this sport,” Halliwell said. Halliwell says when he was younger, organized leagues were few and far between and being able to have a hockey sweater was rare enough. Now, with the help of organizations like KidSport, he knows other children will be able to share those experiences. “So, if we can help other kids get going and keep going,” Halliwell said. “And hopefully keep them off the streets and involved in sports, it’s a lot better than having nothing to do.” KidSport Saskatchewan provincial coordinator Tammy Hoffart says the organization has seen a lot more applications coming in for financial assistance this year with the rising cost of living. Every dollar donated on Friday will go directly to registration fees for families facing financial obstacles. “Everyone sees the benefit of sports and to see these players who are still playing at this time, it’s just absolutely amazing to see that they’re helping the younger generation play hockey as well,” Hoffart said.
