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SENIORS' HOCKEY FOUNDER TO RETIRE AFTER 32 YEARS AS ORGANIZER

DEREK DUNN derek.dunn@metroland.com

Mike Currie walked into the Nick Smith Centre on a recent Thursday morning intending to organize hockey friends before the game started. The day began the same as every shinny game had for the over-50-year-olds, going back some 32 years.

Looking through the Plexiglas,

many players are well into their 60s or 70s, some in their 80s — still lacing up skates and chasing down a puck like they have done since childhood. It's a morning league for old, old-timers, created by Currie and a few friends in 1991. No referees, no body checking, no slapshots — just fun and safe hockey. They started

something special and lasting.

Then Currie saw several guys he hadn't talked to in a while. They had retired from the league. That's when it started to click. Out came the red carpet, and dozens of players, former players, friends and family gathered at centre ice.

"I was very surprised. They all gathered up to see me," he said. "I'm very happy about that."

He intends to retire at the end of this season. An Achilles heel injury ended his hockey career in just his 83rd year. However, Currie was much more than just another player over the years. He was the general manager, coach, chief financial officer and beverage manager.

He has recorded of every game since the inception, with details such as who was missing, who the spares were, how much money was taken in and, back in their younger days, how many postgame beverages were purchased and consumed.

Currie, who doesn't use a computer, reviewed the highly detailed financial statements with all players at the end of every season. Each got a printed version.

He also had a rating system for players and spares: if a B-rated player was missing, the spare called would be of similar calibre. He even kept track of how many games each spare played, so as not to show favouritism.

"Mike, you have literally mentored hundreds of senior players on the etiquette of safe play and having fun, and in doing so, you have enabled those of us gathered here today to continue playing our favourite sport," Rick Armishaw said. "We want you to know that we will continue with the traditions you started 32 years ago."

Of course, from time to time, a couple of players will scuffle. Words will be

exchanged and possibly some pushing and shoving. Currie doesn't stand for that. He'll put an end to it in short order.

"I make sure everyone plays clean." he said. "This is hockey for old guys to get exercise, that's it."

The fun-enforcer title is among the main reasons Armishaw organized the ceremony.

"Mike's dedication to hockey is one thing. He's mentored so many senior players, too," Armishaw said. "And his focus is always on safety and having fun."

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We were asked to attend the ceremony by a current player. Reporter Derek Dunn plays other mornings of the week and knows several on the ice, though he hadn't met Mike Currie before the interview.

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2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281509345432297

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