BCH Sponsors Inaugural USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame Legends Game and Induction Ceremony to Highlight the Benefits of an Active Lifestyle on Aging

On October 4, 2025, the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) will host its inaugural Induction Ceremony and Legends Game at Blue Sport Stable in Superior, CO. This special event honors players who continue to play or contribute to hockey well into their later years, inspiring others to stay active and engaged in the sport throughout their lives.

The celebration begins with the free Legends Hockey Game at 2:15 pm, offering fans the chance to watch seasoned hockey players in action. After the game, attendees will gather for the ticketed Induction Ceremony Banquet, where over 30 inductees will be honored, including Mark Sertich (Guinness World Record holder as the world’s oldest hockey player), Charles Schulz (famed cartoonist and founder of the Snoopy World Ice Hockey Tournament), Ginette Hatin (the only female still playing at 80+), and Terry Harper and Bill Orban (the only former NHL players still active at 80+). Banquet tickets are available for $50 on the HHOF website.

Honoring Fred Merchant’s Legacy

The vision for the HHOF was brought to life by Fred Merchant, an 88-year-old active hockey player and founding director of the HHOF. As the oldest active player at Blue Sport Stable, he plays twice a week with the Long Hockey organization and founded The Real Ironmen of Hockey, a group dedicated to celebrating the achievements of senior players.

Fred’s passion for hockey is unmatched. He’s represented the USA in multiple series against Canada, played in the Snoopy World Ice Hockey Tournament eight times and was inducted into the Canadian 80+ HHOF. But Fred’s true legacy lies in his dedication to recognizing those who have shaped the sport and continue to play well beyond 80. Fred says, “The HHOF highlights the growing number of senior hockey players across the U.S. and proves that age is no barrier to hockey participation.”

The Power of Physical Activity and Community

The HHOF is more than just a celebration of hockey, it underscores the importance of staying active, maintaining physical health and being part of a supportive community throughout one’s life. Boulder Community Health (BCH), a proud sponsor of the HHOF, champions healthy aging through an active lifestyle. Dr. Robert Vissers, BCH President and CEO, believes that hockey and physical activity support not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. As a lifelong hockey player, Dr. Vissers knows firsthand the benefits of staying active throughout every stage of life. He shares, “Hockey is not just a game, it’s a lifelong community that nurtures physical, mental and emotional well-being. As a health care organization, we see firsthand every day how an active lifestyle positively impacts healthy aging. These athletes are living proof of that.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the HHOF website.