Clearwater Hoser player profile
Freddie Menzel, a Clearwater Hoser veteran with a love for the game. Pemberton’s Pride is still going strong at right wing.
When it comes to embodying the spirit of hockey, Freddie Menzel has it all: determination, humour, and an undeniable love for the game. At 75 years young, Menzel has been a staple of the Clearwater Hosers senior men’s team for 25 years, proving that age is just a number when your passion keeps you lacing up your skates.
From the pond to the arena: Born and raised in Pemberton, Menzel’s hockey journey began in 1960, skating on frozen ponds as a boy before making his debut in organized hockey in 1978. In fact, Menzel didn’t join an official league until the age of 28—a surprising fact about a man who’s now spent decades as a dependable right winger for the Hosers.
When asked what inspired him to take up the sport, Menzel keeps it simple, “Fun and being Canadian.”
Admiring quiet heroes: Menzel finds inspiration in Trevor Linden, not just for his skill on the ice but for his character off of it. “He did so many things for people without saying, look at me,” Menzel shares. It’s a sentiment that reflects Menzel’s own approach to the game, which is humble, hardworking, and focused on team spirit.
Still making memories: For Menzel, every time he steps onto the ice is a memorable moment. “Still being out there,” he says, is a victory in itself. With no pregame rituals or flashy moves, his secret to success is straightforward, “Keeping my feet under me.” After the game? You’ll find him celebrating with a plate of nachos, his favourite cheat meal.
A player with personality: Off the ice, Menzel enjoys hiking and snowshoeing, though his dream destination is somewhere a little warmer like Belize. Known for his dry wit, Menzel names teammate Wade Elliot as the funniest member of the Hosers and jokes that if the team were stranded on a deserted island, “one of the chubby ones” would last the longest.
For karaoke night, Menzel would lead the team in a rousing rendition of ‘We’re here for a good time’ a fitting anthem for his lighthearted and enduring love of the sport.
Team spirit and fan support: When asked about the Clearwater Hosers, Menzel sums it up in three words, “Good, fun guys.” He credits the fans for their dedication, saying their willingness to “show up” is what pumps him up the most.
A Hoser through and through: Freddie Menzel is more than just a right winger for the Clearwater Hosers—he’s an example of what it means to play for the love of the game. Whether he’s cracking jokes in the locker room, reminiscing about hockey’s golden era while watching Hockey Night in Canada, or enjoying a plate of seafood (pineapple on pizza included), Menzel proves that hockey isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart.
Catch Freddie and the rest of the Clearwater Hosers in action this weekend at North Thompson Sportsplex Arena. Whether you’re there for the goals, the laughs, or the nachos, one thing’s for sure, it’ll be a good time.
