‘Over 40’ Hockey Group just wants to have fun Ultimate goal

January 16, 2012 at 12:05a.m.

To beat the winter doldrums, some people exercise, some walk and others just make a promise to do more.

At the Ice Zone in Boardman on Wednesday evenings, you will find the likes of a Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, or even a Jaromir Jagr — sort of.

Although the members of the Rusthead Hockey group may not be as famous, they move across the ice and defend, and make goals that would make any of the hockey legends proud.

This group of men “over 40” play pickup hockey every Wednesday and play with the intensity and vigor of players half their age. It’s competitive, and they keep one another on their toes. Even so, when someone makes a good play or shot, everyone is encouraging.

There always seems to be enough to play, while a few sit on the bench. But if a player comes out to get a drink or take a break, two or three are ready to jump out of the box and hit the ice.

Looking across the ice, you think they are trying to relive their youth, but they do it for the camaraderie and fellowship.

As they finish the night on the ice, you would think you would hear complaints of aches and pains, but instead they head to the locker room like a bunch of high school players — no worse for the wear.