Fred Merchant & the USA 80+ HHOF is Honored

That's what Merchant said of his motivation — creating the hall of fame to recognize the dedication of his fellow die-hard players.

The USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, started by Merchant, honors hockey players who have hung tough with the game into their 80s and beyond. So far 35 men and one woman have been inducted, a couple of them posthumously. Players anywhere in the world are eligible, despite its name.

From left: Sean Moynihan, who emceed the Legends Game; Pat Long, Treasurer; Bill Orban; USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame Board President Robin Martinez; Terry Harper; and Timothy Prout, Board Member. Harper and Orban were formerly professional players in the National Hockey League. (Courtesy of Pat Long)

Players shake hands after the Legends Game in Colorado in October. (Courtesy of Fred Merchant)

Long said that he believes playing hockey keeps people young — through community, exercise and camaraderie. At 79, Long isn't old enough to be in the 80+ hall of fame, though he hopes to be inducted later this year.

Ginette Hatin with her 70+ team. (Courtesy of Ginette Hatin)

The sole woman to be inducted so far is Ginette Hatin, 82, of Montreal, who has played hockey since she was 6. When she started playing with her brothers in Quebec, she was the only girl on the ice. She said her priest told her father she shouldn't play with the boys — but her father encouraged her to keep playing. She did, mostly with women, but also with men as she does now.