The Midland Oldtimers Hockey Club was established in 1975 and was comprised mostly of players who played in the local recreational hockey leagues. Many of them had played together for years in various community minor organizations then into the adult leagues. The impetus was
to participate in the inaugural Canadian Oldtimers Tournament in Peterborough, Ontario, that was organized by Penetanguishene native, John Gouett. From this tournament, oldtimers hockey became the foundation for adult recreational hockey players who over the age of 35 wanted to continue playing the sport, but without the rigours of body contact and slap shots, which are generally found in more competitive leagues.
From these beginnings the Midland Oldtimers Hockey Club became highly organized with on‐ice and bench coaches as well as a compliment of executives. Filled with confidence and enthusiasm, they decided to attend the First International Hockey Tournament that was held in Holland in March of 1976. There were 56 teams in the tournament, with 31 of the teams coming from all across Canada. The Midland Club was undefeated in the first three games, but went on to lose in the semi‐finals. While there, they also had the opportunity to play an exhibition game against the Dutch National Junior Team resulting in a 3‐3 tie game. Building on their previous successes the Midland Oldtimers Hockey Club participated in and were
usually successful in a number of major national and international hockey tournaments in the ensuing years.
These included:
- Peterborough International Cup of Oldtimers Hockey, annually, 1975 – 1985
- Annual Canada – US International Tournament in Niagara Falls, 1976 and 1977
- Third Annual National Tournament in Saint John, New Brunswick. 1977
- International Tournament in Holland, 1977
- International Tournament in Denmark, 1978
- National Oldtimers Tournament in Ottawa, 1979
- Annual Canada – US International Tournament in Lake Placid, 1980
- Maple Leaf Classic in Toronto, 1984
- Florida Palms Hockey Tournament in St. Petersburg, Florida, 1985
The team also played in tournaments in various Ontario communities including, Guelph, Parry Sound, Kingston, Orillia, Barrie, Penetanguishene, Collingwood and Elmvale to name a few. In 1976 they hosted the touring Swedish Oldtimers to an exhibition game in the old Midland Arena Gardens.
This team may not have achieved any gold medals, but with their extensive travels they became unofficial ambassadors for the Town of Midland. They were hockey players first and foremost, but because of this team and many more like it, they did much to foster fellowship, provide a venue to pursue the love of hockey and to set the foundation for many to enjoy the sport well into their senior years. There have been few local teams that have participated in so many tournaments displaying the importance of exercise, fitness and sportsmanship proving the adage that “one is never too old to participate in the sport that they love”.
The original roster included players: Jack Beauchamp, Harvey Benoit, Wally Boyer, Jim Brodeur, John Chadwick, George Dunn, Jim Gamna, Tom Garner, Neil Goneau, Bill Grant, Harvey Jackson, Jim Johnson, Brian Lemieux, John Lizotte, Doug McGibbon, Terry Moore, Jerry Murphy, Charlie Scott, Morley Spiker, Jim Tumber, Doug Wright and Murray Yorke; and executive: John Gignac, Dr. Herman Jileson, Rick Leaney, Moreland Lynn, Jim Quesnelle, Fred Rutherford and Frank Thiffault.
