FRONT: Referee in Chief Kolton Leslie

SECOND: Jarrett Gingras, Faron Cook, Terry Fullerton, Mark Munroe, Pat Morden, Randy Mateika, Doug Sagert, Lyle Eggie

BACK: Henry Barkowski, David Eggie, Rodney Redhead,Marc Kunjumpa, Carl Giesbrecht, Stephen Natyna, Dennis Kalynuk, Blair Mosiondz, Eldon Hart, James Waldner, Steve Windsor, Glenn Nichiporuk

MISSING: Faron Genaille, Calvin Campeau, Chris Cook, Jerry Copapay, Abel Gott, Kendall Johnson, Edmond Quill

On Wednesday, February 12, 2024 the Minitonas U 80 hockey team won the Kalynuk Cup, emblematic of U 80 hockey supremacy. Although this was the 15th anniversary of the hockey team, it was the first Kalynuk Kup, honouring Dennis Kalynuk, who founded the team in 2010.

To be consistent with Hockey Manitoba, Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation age classifications, the 50 plus classification was changed to U 80. The players range in age from about 50 to 76. Their motto: “You don’t stop playing because you get old, You get old because you stop playing”

The trophy was constructed by Merle Gerbrandt, Don Plesh and Henry Barkowski. The top of the cup is from an antique cream separator. It is a fitting symbol for a championship as cream always rises to the top. There may, however, be a milkmaid somewhere missing part of a separator.

If you’ve ever been blessed to win a championship, you will know that although as great as the final is, it is the journey that makes it special. The finale was a culmination of a 20 game season, every Monday at 7:45 pm starting in November.

It’s a journey where guys overcome health incidents, such as surgeries, cancer, heart issues, orthopaedic surgery for joint replacement and the usual occurrences such as flues and similar ailments. They’re supported and encouraged by each other.

The excuse for gathering each week is hockey. The reason is the fellowship and camaraderie.They talk about old friends, often realizing many have passed or are in poor health, great moments in hockey, preference for cremation or traditional burial, how to enjoy marital bliss, maintaining physical fitness, tariff terrorism and whatever else comes up.

The boys come from all over, Big Woody, Sapotaweyak, Swan and Minitonas. There were 27 different guys out over the season with an average of 18.

The season ending evening ended with a sumptuous indulgence in a variety of Kneadens pizza.