Eastern Blades legend notches 900 matches

A legend of the Eastern Blades Hockey Club, Ian Goldspink, reached a milestone many could only dream of, when the local hockey stalwart recently ran out for his 900^th game.

Goldspink, affectionately known as ‘Goldie’ around the club, began his hockey tenure in 1961 in the under-15s at the Bassendean Hockey Club and has not looked back since.

Not only has Goldspink been a legend on the field, but he has also held multiple off-field roles, including club secretary for 12 years, club historian and has been a committee member, providing invaluable time and effort as a volunteer for Blades.

When you talk to ‘Goldie’, although the hockey is important, it is the camaraderie and mateship that sits at the forefront.

‘Goldie’ will tell you that he was never an outstanding player but loved everything about the hockey experience and is particularly passionate about the club, his hockey home – the Eastern Blades.

Described as a gentleman on and off the field by his peers, ‘Goldie’ has devoted a large chunk of his life to Eastern Blades, resulting in Eastern Blades Life Membership in recognition of:

• Significant, sustained and high-quality contribution to enhancing the reputation and future of the Club.
• Valued leadership and solid role modelling that reflects credit upon the Club.
• Commitment to the principles of good sportsmanship both on and off the field.
• An attitude that reflects a life-long commitment to the values of the Club.

‘Goldie's’ hockey stats include playing hockey that spans 6 decades and scoring 106 goals.

‘Goldie’ has made many lifelong friends, which was evident at his recent 900 game celebrations, where other Life Members (including the spouses of late Life Members), past players and their families, came to watch him run through his banner, with Harlies and Blades players forming a guard of honour for him.

Even during his celebration game, Goldie demonstrated his true sportsmanship, when during a penalty corner, Goldie was on the post, the ball went to him, and into the goal. Whilst his teammates celebrated, Goldie put his hand up and let the umpire know that the ball had hit his shin pad on the way through, acknowledging that it was not a goal. Later during the game, he was rewarded when he put the ball past the keeper to score a goal helping his team to a 3-1 win.

Hockey WA would like to send a heartfelt congratulations to ‘Goldie’ on a significant achievement and thanks him for his continuous dedication to our sport.