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85-year old Canadian set to break Guinness record for oldest hockey player

Derek Ruttan / The London Free Press / QMI AGENCY

When you get to the rink this week for your rec hockey game, just know that your career is far from being over, no matter how bad or old you get.

Meet Jan Loos. He turned 85 on Thursday and still plays in an adult hockey league in London, Ont. The “Huff N Puff” league is for players 55 and older, and Loos isn't the only super veteran on the roster. He has four teammates over the age of 80.

Loos plays three times a week, but when he steps on the ice Friday for his next game, he’ll be making history by becoming the oldest man to ever play in a competitive hockey game. The current record is held by 78-year old Fred DeWit, a goaltender from Holland.

From Morris Dallacosta of the London Free Press:

The game had to be a regular game on regulation ice, timed properly, and have at least two linesmen and a referee. One of the officials is Peter Schussler who just retired from refereeing Huff N Puff. He's 90.

Former NHL referee Don Van Massenhoven will be there and act as a recorder to ensure that everything is done to Guinness’ specifications.

A 90-year old referee? And you want to complain about Tim Peel?

What advice does the 85-year old Loos have for those young whippersnappers wanting to play competitive sports as long as he has?

"My motto is, don't get old, get older. Stay in shape and you live a lot longer and happier."

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