The Waterloo Aging Bulls, affectionately known as “The Bulls,” is an oldtimer’s hockey club that’s played together since 1989.
Ron Clarke, of Bulls’ linage, who recently suffered the loss of his wife of nearly four decades, has now learned that his 36-year-old “little girl” Jocelyn has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and been given only a short time to live.
With support of the Canadian Cancer Society, Waterloo Region Unit, and in honour of Jocelyn, the Bulls have undertaken a pictorial, fundraising calendar project, entitled The Real Men of Oldtimer Hockey. It’s akin to the nude, elderly, ‘Calendar Girls’ or Britain, with humour-laced but tastefully risqué scenes of oldtimer hockey players, on ice in full splendor.
No models or buff, manicured specimens of idealized manhood, these guys are real, seasoned, lifelong veterans of hockey culture that only a true Canadian would understand.
A dedicated staff of volunteers has been working on this worthwhile mission for several months and the final product will be ready shortly, with a projected kick-off date of early September (it’s a shame the Bulls didn’t maintain a video record of all the antics and problems that went into the effort – they were kicked out of one municipal arena – as it would have made interesting fare as well).
Thus far, they’ve kept things largely secretive but soon they’re hoping to start things off with a bang.
The entire effort, from concept to print was undertaken by volunteers and donors and all proceeds are to be shared between the Canadian Cancer Society and Jocelyn Clarke.
When Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran viewed the printer’s proof, between hoots of laughter, she immediately rendered the project her own, offering her full support and eliciting a promise that the very first copy available should be sold to her.
The calendar, priced at $20, makes a great stocking stuffer or Xmas gift for Dad, or a teaser for the girls at the office or beauty salon.
Calendars can be ordered at www.waterlooagingbulls.com or by calling 519-846-2558.
