"It's a dream come true."
At 51-year-old it isn't too late for Swift Current Broncos legend Todd Holt to live another hockey dream. He came out of retirement for one night only to play with his sons Kaelan and Taysen Holt on the Carlyle Cougars.
"I'm sure it'll be very emotional later," Holt said. "I've played a lot of big hockey and been drafted to the (San Jose) Sharks and stuff like that, but this would rank up as one of the most exciting days of my life."
The Cougars are a senior hockey team in the Big Six Hockey League. They brought the idea up to the Holt brothers when recruiting them for this season.
"We have family skates and stuff like that," Holt said. "You never think of these opportunities, and when they arise, it's it kind of brings back the true meaning of hockey. I would do anything for my children. We've never had the opportunity so this is kind of a one-time thing and I'm very grateful."
As Holt considered the prospect of playing hockey at 51, he was reminded of suiting up for the Kansas City Blades in the IHL when Gordie Howe made his return to professional hockey with the Detroit Vipers at 69 in 1997.
"I stayed far away from him even then," Holt joked.
"I think we'll play it by ear," Holt said. "I've skated every week since mid-September. Will I play double shifts? No, I'm here to be a part of the team and enjoy the experience. Ultimately, I know my competitive spirit will take over once we hit the ice I'll want to play more and more. It's just a matter of what my 51-year-old frame will hold up to."
Holt last played senior hockey for the Esterhazy Flyers in 2018 and managed an assist in his one game.
He's most excited about being able to share the ice with his sons.
"Taysen is one of the hardest working guys on the ice," Holt said. "Digging in the corner 95% of the time he comes out with that puck. He's just a real gritty and very talented player. Kaelan is a great two-way player. They're both looking really good. Both of them shoot the puck really well. I'm really looking forward to just being on the ice. When you're playing with people who know the game the way my boys do, it comes kind of naturally to find each other."
Taysen is second on the Cougars this season with 15 points in 8 games. Kaelan his put up 8 points in 7 games.
Their father produced a record 423 points in 321 games as a player for the Swift Current Broncos. He still follows the team closely and attends as many alumni events as he can. He also counts himself as a big fan of Broncos General Manager Chad Leslie.
"Chad is a blessing for that organization," Holt said. "His understanding of the small market is unbelievable. I think he's doing a heck of a job and I'm very proud of him. I try to keep up as much as I can."
Holt donned the classic #13 on his jersey with the Cougars on Friday as they hosted the KW Oil Kings. Coming out of retirement benefited the Cougars, as the Carlyle squad won over the KW Oil Kings 7-3. The Holt trio scored 7:44 in the third period, lifting the Cougars 5-2 at the time.