By Rosalind Russell – You know you love the game of hockey when you are still playing at 80.
Espanola’s Ronald Kelly is turning 81 next month, has been playing hockey since he was a small boy, and he still takes to the ice every hockey season, admittedly, with the old-timer’s league.
He is often joined by 70-year-old Paul Kallioinen who has spent most of his life building and working with hockey teams across Northern Ontario.
Their dedication to the sport will be acknowledged in a special ceremony on August 24th in Huntsville as inductees to the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, two of 400 who have been recognized officially across the country so far.
The two will also take part in an Induction Game against other inductees at the Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville, an Olympic size ice surface facility.
The two oldest skaters will be assigned to take the face-off with the game consisting of two 20-minute periods.
While Ron will take to the ice, Paul will be coaching from the sidelines.
Following the game, they will attend the official induction dinner.
Not only will the two receive a special medal and pin to mark the occasion, but they will also receive personalized hockey jerseys and socks, team photo and their own official hockey card.
They will receive several cards to give out to friends and family.
A plaque with the names of all the players and builders will be produced and each inductee will have the opportunity to have it in their possession for a period of time, just like they do with the Stanley Cup.
Anyone can nominate a man or woman still playing hockey at 80+ years of age, by contacting HockeyHallofFame80plus@gmail.com for nomination information and forms.
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