Monday Night Hockey at Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena

A player limbers up. “The one thing that we all have in common is that we stay in reasonable shape,” said Gleason, explaining one key to the league’s longevity. To which another player in earshot responded, “Ha!” Credit: James Buck

Two players come off-ice after a shift. “We’ve been pretty lucky that we haven’t been hurt at all,” said Gleason. Credit: James Buck

Most weeks, the league attracts 20 to 25 players, including a handful who have been playing 30 to 40 years. “We have a core of about 15 that I can count on every week,” said Gleason. Credit: James Buck

A player puts pads on. Credit: James Buck

Goalie Walt Gleason, Steve Gleason’s brother, tends the net. He’s one of the league’s longest tenured players. Credit: James Buck

Every year, one player wins the Szymanski Cup, named after Mike Szymanski (pictured). The trophy is adorned with a Labbatt Blue can and topped with a protective cup. It’s an honor, albeit sometimes a dubious one, since it’s not necessarily awarded to the best player, but to the most memorable. “The year I won it I was a crybaby the entire season,” said Fred Palmer. “So I got it for being the biggest pain in the ass.” Credit: James Buck

“It’s a perfect mix between being competitive and having fun with guys you know,” said Palmer. “It gets spirited and can get a little nasty. But at the end of the day, we’ve all gotta get up and go to work.” Credit: James Buck

“I find myself coming here as much for hanging out and drinking a beer afterward as for the hockey,” said Scott Albertson, whose son Ben Albertson played hockey at the University of Vermont for four years. “What else are you gonna do on Monday nights?” Credit: James Buck

“If one team loses all three games, that’s shame. So you’ve gotta keep playing hard all night,” said Albertson. Credit: James Buck

Players on the bench. “I’ve played hockey a lot of different places,” said Albertson. “But these are some of the best guys I’ve played with.” Credit: James Buck

“Years ago, we used to play in the summer. But we all grew up and had families,” said Gleason. “And that’s part of this whole thing: We’ve seen each others’ kids grow up. We’ve just been together.” Credit: James Buck