Alan Maislin keeps on trucking on the ice

Alan Maislin’s love of hockey keeps him trucking on the ice, just as his family’s iconic Maislin Trucks (now Maisliner) keeps trucking on the roadways of North America. Maislin’s commitment to the game has resulted in the soon to be 80-year-old to be inducted into the 80’s Plus Hockey Hall of Fame this past May. The induction was more than a ceremony, it was a testament to Maislin’s enduring love for hockey, family, and the pleasant surprises that come with age. Maislin was caught totally off guard as he never even knew such a Hall of Fame existed.

For years, he played in the local league with his sons, occasionally sh aring the ice with his grandchildren. Hockey was simply a thread connecting generations. “I come in on Monday to play with my kids,” Alan Maislin said. “It’s a great sport. It’s a great, great sport, and I love it, and I’ve been very privileged to be able to play. Now what’s exciting is I play with my kids, and I have the ability many nights to play with my grandchildren. Last week, I was partners on defence with my grandson, so he’s 20 and I’m 80.”

It was his sons JJ and Michael who put their father forward for consideration. “When we heard about the Hall, we knew we had to nominate him,” JJ Maislin said.

When Maislin arrived at the season’s end party, he had no hint of what awaited him. Entering the restaurant, he was greeted by his wife, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren all gathered knowing why they were there. “Geez, my boys must have organized this, “Maislin recounted. “Isn’t that nice? They invited all the families.” Little did he know what the real reason was for the family presence.

Among the guests was Nicolas Matossian, one of the directors of the 80’s Plus Hall of Fame. After a few speeches, the announcement came that Maislin would be inducted into the 80’s Plus Hall of Fame. The news blindsided Maislin; he had absolutely no idea this was in store.

Maislin’s roots in hockey stretch back to his youth, where he attended a walk-on tryout for Saint Laurent. He recalls getting into a scrap during that first session, a moment that caught the coach’s eye. “You’re not great,” the coach admitted, “but I like the way you think.” He played the entire season, taking on the gritty role of one of the team’s goons. That coach promised Maislin that “you listen to me; I’ll teach you how to play the game,” and Maislin has been playing the game ever since.

He plays regularly in a league near his home up north as well as venturing into the city for games at LCC’s Glen Chamandy Arena, but Maislin’s love of the game far extends from his on-ice play as a defenseman. Alan “Clutch and Grab” Maislin has so many connections to the game. From his family’s involvement with the Canadians for many years to his development of the Israeli hockey program.

The adage of you can’t teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t apply as Maislin always looks to improve his skills. Later this summer Maislin and a group of long-time friends will head to Niagara Falls for hockey school and a game against Buffalo Sabres alumni members. “I belong to a business group, and in the business group, we’re a bunch of guys that like to play hockey,” he said. “Each year we visit two NHL cities and we play two games in those NHL cities. We all realized that once you stop playing youth hockey you never again practice or get better. We decided to start a hockey school, and we’ve been all over the world. Number one, we want to get in shape. Number two, we want to continue to learn how to play better. I’s not bad at 80 to get out there and learn how to play the game.”

Playing against the Sabres alumni team is very apropos for Maislin because in his HOF hockey card Maislin sports a Buffalo Sabres sweater, and with good reason as he headed a group that attempted to buy the franchise in 2004.

Just what keeps Maislin taking to the ice? “The first thing is, you got to stay in shape,” he said. “I don’t go on the ice unless I’m in shape. You’ve got to stay in shape to the best of your ability and enjoy the game. It’s fun and for me, it’s a privilege to be old and get to play with my kids and grandkids.”

Prior to the induction ceremony in Ottawa, a special game took place, featuring the new Hall of Fame members. The arena was packed with family and friends cheering on the aged athletes with a chorus of “Go, grandpa, go.” The entire event was more than an honour for Maislin, it was a chance to be competitive again, to lace up his skates and play the game he loved, with family and friends in attendance. n