They play the game simply for the love of the game. Some have been at it longer than most of us have been around, starting out on frozen ponds and sloughs. There was no expensive protective equipment in those days. A pair of skates, a stick and a puck, when one was available was all they needed. They moved up through their local teams. Some went on to play with junior or senior teams and the odd one may have even made it to the big leagues. Today they're attracted by their affinity for hockey and the social aspect of the game. Each year they come out, don their equipment and take to the ice. This year the Yorkton Old Grinders wrapped up another season at the Farrell Agencies Arena last week.
Team spokesman Barry Sharpe says the Old Grinders meet weekly every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at one of the two local arenas. Numbers vary from week to week. The final game of the current season saw two goalies and 20 skaters as well as several older off-ice participants were on hand to close another year of senior rec hockey, Sharpe reports.
Players aren't exactly youngsters. Goalie John Garbut is 70 years old. Gordon Halyk is 78. Several others are in their 70s, some in their 60s and a number of 50 year old players, Sharpe points out.
Players drive in from out of town to take in games, he notes. Three come from Esterhazy, two from Melville, and one used to come in from Roblin regularly. "We've got the whole area covered," Sharpe suggests.
There are no regular teams. Players who show up Wednesday mornings throw their sticks into a pile. The sticks are then alternately thrown to one side or the other. "Wherever your stick ends up, that's the side you play on," Sharpe explains.
Many of the players started playing hockey outdoors, Sharpe notes. "I never played in an indoor rink until I was 13 years old," he recalls.
The main thing for the players is the fellowship associated with the game, Sharpe says.
One of the players, Gary Fletcher, recalls playing hockey on his high school team in Humboldt alongside legendary NHL goalie Glenn Hull. "I've got the team picture from 1945 that would be the first picture in which Glenn was playing goal," says Fletcher.
Over the fourteen years the Old Grinders have been in existence, there have been over 100 players coming out to play some hockey, Sharpe estimates. Some have stopped actually playing hockey as the years caught up with them, but they still come out to watch and socialize with the others. Some guys quit and a few passed away over the 14 years.
"It's a lot of fun and we hope to continue next season. The first practice will be held on the first Wednesday in November, Sharpe closes.
Fletcher points out that Sharpe was the founder of the team and the weekly scrimmages. "So we are indebted to Barry Sharpe again for starting something wonderful again in Yorkton," Fletcher wraps up.
