The Paris family didn’t need much persuading when local hockey identity Diane Proudfoot suggested they form a generational Waimai United team for the new P3 mixed hockey competition this year.
79-year-old Colin Paris used to be a Nelson hockey representative, but hadn’t played for about 40 years apart from a Maadi Cup “oldies” appearance five or six seasons ago.
His son Clint plays for the Tasman District Masters and Clint’s boys, Micah, 12, and Kobi, 14, are age grade reps.
Clint’s brother Nigel has returned from Taranaki and his 15-year-old daughter Monique, who played rep hockey for that province, rounds out the Paris contingent, who make up a third of the 18-strong squad, which is one of several teams the family members play in across local competitions.
“It’s great we have three generations playing together, especially having Dad out there. There are four other members of the wider family also playing for other sides so we could almost field our own starting 11,” declares Clint.
The Nelson Hockey Association says the Paris’ commitment highlights the legacy, connection and shared love of the game which makes the local hockey community so special.
The P3 grade is aimed at adults returning to hockey, those new to the game, or young players wanting to experience the next level up.
There is only one other team in the P3 grade, Stoke, and so they played each other seven times, culminating in last weekend’s final.
Clint and his sons will team up again later in the year as they compete in their other passion, speedway.
“Fortunately, the sports don’t overlap,” quips Clint.
