Bendo Blazers: How a 60-Year-Old Hockey Club Builds Community and Charity in Windsor
For the members of the Bendo Blazers Hockey Club, hockey is far more than just a sport. It serves as a powerful vehicle for teaching essential life skills like resilience and teamwork, while forging lifelong bonds that create a profound sense of community. This is especially true when players have been skating together for decades, forming a tight-knit group that extends its impact well beyond the rink.
The Legacy of Lou Bendo and the Club's Foundation
The Bendo Blazers were founded in 1965 by the late Lou Bendo, a prominent amateur hockey player from Windsor, Ontario. Bendo, who captained the Windsor Bulldogs to an Allan Cup championship in 1963 and was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, never played in the NHL. However, his legacy in Windsor is deeply significant. He owned the local arena and established a recreational hockey club that has thrived for over 60 years, with current players ranging in age from their 60s to their 80s.
The club, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, boasts about 60 active players and more than 100 total members. Bendo, who passed away recently, created an enduring institution that continues to provide a great hockey experience, friendship, and camaraderie to all involved.
Charitable Efforts and Community Support
Beyond the ice, the Bendo Blazers are committed to supporting charitable causes in the Windsor community. Bob Booker, a longtime club member, explains their unique approach: "If you get a penalty in our games, it will cost you $5. If you argue about the penalty, it will cost you more." This penalty money, along with funds from raffles and other initiatives throughout the year, is donated to address local needs.
Donations support everything from the food bank to assisting specific families in need. Harry Hodgson, the league commissioner, emphasizes that charitable efforts are a core pillar of the organization. "There are three pillars in our organization," he says. "Playing hockey in a safe environment is just one of them. The charitable efforts and the social aspect are also very important."
Social Bonds and Mutual Support
The social dimension of the Bendo Blazers is a key component of their success. Active players typically hit the ice at least three times per week for practices and games, with socializing before and after each session. The club also organizes golf events in the summer, dinners, and breakfast gatherings that bring the entire membership together.
These activities have fostered lasting friendships over many years, creating a support network that extends into challenging times. Booker shares a touching example: "One of our guys was diagnosed with dementia and lost his driver's licence. Some of the guys take turns picking him up for games and practices. He may have forgotten things, but he still remembers how to play hockey."
Recognition and Longevity in Senior Hockey
Hodgson, who has been league commissioner for about 15 years and has played with the Bendo Blazers for over 50 years, highlights the club's achievements. He and five other members will be inducted into the 80-plus Hockey Hall of Fame this spring. This not-for-profit organization recognizes active recreational hockey players over the age of 80, with hundreds of Canadians honored since its inception in 2011.
Playing hockey in one's 60s, 70s, and 80s certainly presents challenges, but the Bendo Blazers embrace the sport with passion. They recognize that their club has the power to do good both on and off the ice, demonstrating how recreational hockey can enrich lives and strengthen communities for generations.
