Two of our own honored at center ice for the Colorado Alumni Faceoff
On August 23, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche Alumni and University of Denver Hockey Alumni met at Magness Arena for the second annual Colorado Alumni Faceoff — a charity event benefiting the Colorado NHL Alumni Association. The Avs Alumni skated away with a 9-3 win. But for the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, the night's biggest moment came before the puck ever hit the ice.
Our own Fred Merchant and Pat Long were invited out to center ice for the ceremonial puck drop — a fitting tribute to two men who have spent their lives building the game they love, and building the Hall of Fame that honors it.
The weekend started well before the puck ever dropped. The USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame set up a table at the pre-game Fan Fest, giving fans a chance to learn about the organization and meet Fred in person. The night before the game, Fred and Pat were guests at a VIP party, trading stories and jerseys with new friends ahead of their big moment on the ice.
Fred Merchant, 89
The arena announcer introduced Fred as an 89-year-old who still plays hockey twice a week right here in Colorado. He's the author of The Real Iron Men of Hockey and the founding director and inspiration behind the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame. Fred has twice represented the United States against Canada, and this year he led the USA 80+ Dream Team to a championship at the Snoopy World Hockey Championships.
Pat Long, 80
Pat was introduced as a founding board member and treasurer of the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, and the founder of Long Hockey at Blue Sport Stable in Superior. He plays three times a week, and this September he'll be inducted into the very Hall of Fame he helped build.
Center Ice
Fred and Pat weren't out there alone. Avalanche captain Joe Sakic and DU alum Matt Carle joined them at center ice for the ceremonial faceoff, in front of a large crowd that had turned out for a night of alumni hockey, fan fests, and community giving. The Avs Alumni roster that night included Tyson Barrie, John-Michael Liles, Andrew Cogliano, Darren Helm, and Dan Hinote, with Hockey Hall of Famers Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet, and Pierre Turgeon behind the bench.
It was a full-circle moment: two lifelong hockey players, decades removed from their own playing careers but still lacing up every week, sharing the ice with an NHL legend and a college hockey standout — all in the name of the game that connects them.
We at the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame were honored to have been part of the celebration.
Watch: The Ceremonial Puck Drop
Colorado Alumni Faceoff — August 23, 2026
Event Highlights
Second annual Colorado Alumni Faceoff at Magness Arena, University of Denver
Avalanche Alumni defeated DU Hockey Alumni, 9-3
Sold-out crowd supporting the Colorado NHL Alumni Association's community programs
Fred Merchant and Pat Long dropped the ceremonial puck, joined by Joe Sakic and Matt Carle
Photo Gallery
Pat, Cody, and JJ at the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame Fan Fest table ahead of the game.
Pat and Fred at the VIP party the night before the game.
More celebrating at the VIP party.
Fred, Pat, friends, family and the on-ice host prior to taking the ice.
Fred up on the big screen at Magness Arena.
Fred (37) and Pat (10) at center ice, joined by Joe Sakic (19) and Matt Carle (25). Handshakes all around after the ceremonial faceoff.
Photos courtesy of the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame.
