Nifty 50’s Recreational Hockey League
Jennifer Gouchie-Terris
For more than 25 years, the Nifty Fifties organization
has been providing hockey players 50 years of age
and over with a way in which to continue playing the
sport they love on a strictly recreational basis.
leave afterwards.’’
It also helps fill in the day for many people and keep
them connected. Sheehan continues to be inspired by
the humour and positivity displayed by some of the
players despite what curve balls life might throw
at them.
Formed in 1990, the organization started out with a
mere 22 players and has grown to 150 regular and
spare players over the
years. Ranging in age
from early 50’s to early
80’s; some have played
university, high school
or junior league hockey
while others have never
played at all. Players
come from throughout
the Greater Moncton
area and as far away as
Shediac, Hillsborough
Peter Sheehan & Bernie O’Neill
and Alma.
According to President Peter Sheehan, there are 12
ice times each week split between rinks in Moncton,
Rivervie w and Dieppe. The regular season runs
from the first of October until the end of March and
wraps up with a closing banquet each year at which
special recognition is given to the 10 or so volunteer
coordinators who keep
everything running like
clockwork.
“All that really matters
is that everyone has fun,’’
stresses Sheehan. “We
want to make sure there’s
a good mix and put them
in a group that’s most
satisfying to them.’’
Although exercise and
friendly competition are
important; so too are the
social aspects of being a part of the organization.
“Half the fun is in the dressing room before and after
the games,’’ admits Sheehan who has played hockey
most of his life. “Most of us arrive early because we
don’t want to miss any of the chatter going on. We
play for an hour or so but no one is in a real hurry to
“It’s amazing how many
have had adversity in their
lives but nothing deters
them from coming out to
play hockey.’’
Bernie O’Neill is past
president and one of the few
original players who remain.
“This is by a country mile
the best organized and
cheapest hockey I’ve ever
played,’’ boasts O’Neill.
“It’s only $6 per ice time
except for evening games.’’
Personal safety is a priority, with stringent guidelines
and rules in place including absolutely no body
checks or slap shots which are important considering
there are no referees on the ice. Players are very
competitive but also very
respectful of the welfare
of others.
“It’s all self-controlled and
as safe as safe can be but
there are always going to be
accidents,’’ Sheehan points
out. “It’s quite remarkable
how people get along and
respect each other. It’s quite
unique.’’
Nifty Fifties host a golf
tournament each September
to kick-off the season with
more than a dozen players coming from Nova Scotia
to join them. The organization also donates to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada each year in
one way or another.
FALL/AUTOMNE 2017 PrimeTime
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