00:03There are sporting veterans, and then there's Russ Trudeau.
00:07I started when I was about seven, so that's about 73 years ago.
00:11The Canadian expat is one of two octogenarians and among 170 players from around the country,
00:17hitting the ice in Canberra this weekend for the National Old Timer Tournament.
00:22It's essentially non-contact, and as well you're not allowed to have big heavy slap shots.
00:27You know, accidents happen, but basically no hitting.
00:32The modified rules reduce the risk somewhat across the 24-game event,
00:37which features teams from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra
00:43in 55+, 65+, and women's divisions.
00:47There's always an element of risk, but you put the training you've had, and it's usually your head a lot.
00:53Forty-five years or so I've been playing. I've played a lot of sport, and this is the one sport
00:58that my body can still withstand.
01:01It's not as bad as you'd think. It's quite low impact.
01:04Mr Trudeau says the benefits of his hockey habit extend beyond physical health.
01:09You get social benefits, the camaraderie, and especially as well the mental health side of it.
01:15It becomes like a men's shed for people. You know, you have your friends and you have a common purpose,
01:21you love the game.
01:22Organisers hope free admission and early start times will encourage a crowd, and potentially some new players.
01:29If you work on your skating and your fitness and get some help from people, hey, we can do anything.
01:35Senior moments worth savouring.
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