Russ Morrison: A Clearwater Hoser Legend at 76. Still Lighting the Lamp after seven decades on the ice
At 76 years young, Russ Morrison, affectionately known as “Russell!” among his teammates, continues to prove that hockey is a lifelong passion. A left wing forward for the Clearwater Hosers, Morrison wears #4 with pride, showcasing the skill, humour, and determination that has made him a team favourite for over 31 years.
Morrison’s love affair with hockey began in 1955 in Ottawa, when his father first introduced him to the game. Since then, he’s never looked back. “My dad got me going,” he says, reflecting on the family roots of his passion.
Inspired by NHL greats Bobby Orr and Stan Mikita, Morrison has brought that same tenacity and love for the sport to every rink he’s played in.
Hat Tricks and Deeks: Ask Morrison about his most memorable moments, and he’ll proudly recount his first, second, and third hat tricks, milestones that encapsulate his decades-long journey on the ice. Known for his signature move - “deek to the right and shoot”, Morrison is a forward who combines classic hockey instincts with an enduring love for the game.
The Rituals of a Veteran: Though Morrison doesn’t have a favourite pump-up song, he has one pregame ritual that’s served him well over the years: “Take to the rink early!” And while the game has changed over the decades, his drive to play hasn’t wavered.
After a game, you might find Morrison relaxing with a plate of chicken wings, his go-to postgame indulgence.
Teammates, Chirps, and Laughs: Every good team needs camaraderie, and Morrison finds that in teammates like Fred Menzel, his pick for the funniest Hoser. “Just because!” he quips, embodying the laid-back humour that defines the locker room.
One of his favourite chirps? A simple yet determined, “Come on, I think we can win!” A rallying cry that showcases his optimistic spirit.
The Veteran Spirit: Morrison describes his teammates as “fun, easy to get along with, and not too aggressive,” a perfect fit for a player who values the balance of competition and camaraderie. “Having old guys, I can play with” is what keeps Morrison coming back to the rink, year after year.
When asked what superpower he’d want on the ice, he jokes about skating faster and having better balance—although anyone who’s seen him play knows his skills have aged like fine wine.
Off the Ice: When he’s not playing hockey, Morrison enjoys fishing, particularly salmon fishing on the West Coast. His favourite food is Chinese and doesn’t like pineapple on pizza. For relaxation he has a soft spot for westerns and TV shows like Blue Bloods.
His dream karaoke song? “Okie from Muskogee”—a classic choice for a classic player.
Hockey Is Forever: Russ Morrison exemplifies what it means to play for the love of the game. From his early days in Ottawa to his decades with the Clearwater Hosers, he’s a living testament to hockey’s timeless appeal.
The Hosers may not have a massive fan base, but Morrison doesn’t let that bother him. He’s in it purely for the joy of the sport.
Catch Russ Morrison and the rest of the Clearwater Hosers in action Mondays and Fridays. Call the Sportsplex or Randy for game times. (250) 674-2143 and (250) 674-2784 respectively.
Whether it’s his signature deek or his enduring passion for the game, Morrison is a player worth cheering for because he’s still in the Game.
