USA 80+ Hall of fame

Mike Fisher

Mike Fisher, originally from Cleveland Ohio, started skating in 1957. Hockey has been a part of his family for about a century. Mike’s great uncle worked in the front office for the Cleveland Indians (IHL) and Falcons (IHL). His sportswriter father covered the AHL Cleveland Barons from after WWII until 1961 during which time he traveled with the team by bus & train. Mike’s father is credited for giving Johnny Bower the “China Wall” moniker. He also covered the St. Louis Blues during their first two years, the NHL Seals from 1969 until their demise in 1976, and the NHL Barons during their short tenure. Mike has played pond, youth, college club, senior league, and beer league. He’s lived (mostly) in the Denver Metro area since 1991 and continues to scrimmage regularly. Mike has been a volunteer/patron with the HHOF in Toronto since 1994 & a Society of International Hockey Research member since 2014. Mike and his wife have underwritten annual student internships at the HHOF since the late ’90s.

Kenneth R. McKinnon

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1939.

I began playing hockey at the age of 8 in my neighbor’s backyard. I advanced through the Toronto Hockey League (THL) and later moved on to Junior Hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) with the Aurora Bears.

In 1958, I became the first Canadian recruited to the University of New Hampshire (UNH). During my time there, I helped put Toronto on the map for UNH players, including a standout performance where I scored six goals in a single game — a record that still stands.

Following my playing career, I served as a teacher and coach at Concord High School. I also worked as a referee in Division I college hockey for 25 years. In 1996, I founded the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey and have since been inducted into six Halls of Fame.

I am currently coaching for Team USA 80+.

And that’s my “star-studded” story.

Wishing you all the best — stay well and stay safe, eh!

Patrick T Long

Pat Long played his first organized hockey at St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN, where he was a two year letter winner. Void of a youth program in his hometown of Northfield, he developed his hockey skills as a young player on the varsity outdoor rink of the Carleton College hockey team. Later, while in graduate school at the University of Minnesota, he coached youth traveling teams in the suburbs of Minneapolis and then went on to initiate hockey programs in the communities of Pipestone and Marshall, Minnesota.

After joining the faculty at Minnesota State at Mankato, he became the “voice” of the varsity men’s hockey team and played in local adult leagues. Then, as a faculty member at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he coached in the Boulder Valley Youth Hockey Program, served on its board of directors, and began developing Long Hockey which has now been in existence almost 30 years.

Long Hockey is designed for adult players seeking a fun, competitive yet safe hockey environment, and has served over 300 adult players ranging from early 20’s to late 80’s. Today, this program offers recreational games six mornings a week — three for under 50 aged players and three for over 50. In addition to these morning skates, this “community” of hockey players annually raises money for youth hockey scholarships as well as for special community needs such as the victims of the 2022 Marshall Fire that destroyed over 1100 local homes, many belonging to hockey families.

Robin Buchler Martinez

Growing up in California and now living in Colorado, I discovered my passion for hockey as an adult after years of watching my son excel in the sport. I began playing in the Denver Women’s Hockey League (DWHL), and took on a board position to help grow women’s hockey. Today, I play for a travel team in the Women’s Association of Colorado Hockey (WACH) and with Long Hockey, an over-50 drop-in group that feels like family.

I’ve participated in tournaments, including Rec Nationals in Tampa, where our team won. I organized the women’s division for the Dawg Bowl, a charity event supporting hockey players in need, and helped create a Denver team for the Olde Crabs tournament in Danbury, Connecticut. Locally, I’ve worked with Colorado tournaments, organizing and filling teams to expand opportunities for women to play. I also spent several years as a captain in the lunch league at Sports Stable, fostering teamwork and community. Additionally, I serve on the board for the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame, honoring senior players and their contributions to the sport.

Helping with women’s tournaments is my way of giving back to the sport I love. My goal is to expand opportunities for women in hockey and inspire others to discover its joy and camaraderie.

Mission Statement

To recognize and toast all those players who have continued to play in this outstanding sport into their 80s.

This unique organization is open to all players, wherever they live.

Initially those players who qualify from the USA, then from Canada (recognizing the Canadian 80s Hall of Fame and then any qualified player anywhere). We welcome all.

RULES FOR INDUCTION:

All Players and Builders must be 80 years of age or older.
They must be an active player or builder the year they turned 80 years of age.
Their team or league provide a letter acknowledging the candidate's good character & sportsmanship .
Recognize the objectives and mission of The 80+hockey Hall.
Current and former members of the USA 80+hockey team qualify for induction.