Meet the Rusty Blades [VIDEO]

The Rusty Blades are a group of men over 50 who love hockey and skate against other teams around the area and the world.

This week, the Rusty Blades, who have players from Shrewsbury and surrounding towns, played a team from Vancouver that they met at a tournament in Canada earlier in the season.

"They skate three times a week and they are the most consistent group that skates at the arena," said Nick Pennucci, manager of the Buffone Arena in Worcester where the Blades play. "They are a really like a fraternity for hockey players—most of the players played in high school or in college and it's great to see them still on the ice."

Calling the men the marathon runners of hockey, Pennucci said that ice skating, and hockey, can be a life-long sport to play at any age. "These guys play 52 weeks a year," he said. "Hockey is one of those sports that you can play your whole life."

While some of the players on the team have had injuries, many of them have returned to the sport. "They are tough guys," Pennucci said. "If there is an injury, they fight me if I think they have to call an ambulance, and then a few weeks later, they are back on the ice."

Not only do the Rusty Blades hang together on the ice, but they also have barbecues, meet for coffee at and hang out throughout the week.

"My husband really enjoys being on the team," said Gail Kimball, of Paxton, who came to watch her husband, Ralph play against Vancouver. "He played in college and then when our grandson, now 12, was playing hockey, he decided he wanted to get back on the ice."

For more information about the Rusty Blades, visit their website.