‘It’s an inspiration’: Saskatoon’s 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame featuring over 30 inductees from Western Canada

WATCH: Every four years, there is an induction ceremony for the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame hosted in Saskatoon.

The Schroh Arena in Saskatoon is home to a very unique hockey league. Saskatoon 60+ Hockey is an opportunity for hockey lovers to stay on the ice, no matter their age.

“It’s just fun. There’s still the odd guy who thinks he can make the NHL, but I doubt it. It’s just the camaraderie more than anything else, and the coffee afterwards is worth more than the game before,” 83-year-old Larry Lukey said with a laugh.

The league itself has been around since 1993 and has earned plenty of recognition for the dedication and hard work of the players and volunteers who make it possible.

“It’s an inspiration. I hope when I’m 80, I can still bend over and tie my shoes, let alone strap on a pair of skates,” Dave Hume, chairperson for the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, said.

Every four years, there is an induction ceremony for the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame hosted in Saskatoon. The ceremony scheduled for this spring is set to celebrate more than 30 players from across Western Canada.

“We try to make it not only for the inductees but also for their families and all that stuff. And that’s the cool part about it is the families. They’re part of the ceremony as well,” Hume said.

This upcoming ceremony will feature Brent Butt as the featured speaker at Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum. Hume says while the 80+ Hall of Fame is a national organization, induction ceremonies aren’t particularly common.

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This makes the upcoming ceremony all the more special.

“It’s very rewarding, very rewarding... they’re good people. It’s just fun to talk about old times,” Hume said.

While playing hockey at 80 is certainly an accomplishment, there is also recognition for those lacing up their skates at 90. Stan Halliwell recently earned a spot in the 90+ Hockey Hall of Fame.

“You get a little bit of exercise, and it’s half on the ice, half in the locker room, just the people you meet, it’s great,” 91-year-old Halliwell said.

While the players wear their Hall of Fame patches with a lot of pride, those who spoke with CTV shared that they’re not necessarily in it for the glory.

“Keeping in shape, getting out of the house. My wife loves it because I leave for a while. Great bunch of guys,” Stephen Klette said.

“You’ve got to do something. What else are you going to do? Just sit in a rocking chair and die?” 77-year-old Bob Aebig said.