For many, hockey is a game played under strict rules with goals, assists, victories being the objectives. For other, especially the young, it is a time to learn to skate, play some fun games and make many new friends.   For me, now in my seventies, playing hockey means many things. Entering the arena with the hockey bag slung over my shoulder makes me feel good and very thankful for the good health God has given me. When I get to the dressing room and start putting on my equipment, I am just one of the perhaps eighteen or twenty others in the room who are doing the same thing. We joke with one another about things such as; will we see the Leafs win another cup? (The consensus is we won’t.) Will Donald Trump be re-elected or go to jail? All good, clean fun. When we get on the ice, we try as hard as we can, but goals and points don’t matter much. What matters is we are having fun, getting good exercise and maintaining friendships. The rules are simple – no slapshots, no checking. Our group consists of many different occupations and religions, but these things don’t matter, nor should they matter. We all come together in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship and that’s what matters most. I am sure there are hundreds across the province who can relate to what I have written about, and are very thankful to be able to participate in the wonderful game of recreational hockey.   -Reg O’Neill Harbour Grace, NL