Thatcher Kezer was walking a little gingerly through Abbot Hall Wednesday morning — the unmistakable gait of a hockey goalie who had left it all on the ice.
Three days earlier, Marblehead’s town administrator, who is 65, had suited up in net for Salem State University’s alumni-and-friends team in a special exhibition game against the Boston Bruins alumni at Rockett Arena in Salem. The Sunday, Feb. 22 game raised money for Salem State, where Kezer is an alumnus and trustee.
‘A few more ice packs’
Kezer plays hockey two to four times a week. Among his teams is the Massachusetts National Guard Red Legs, which competes annually in the Armed Services Hockey Tournament in Las Vegas and travels for other tournaments around the country. He also skates with additional teams throughout the year.
Most of his Salem State teammates were decades younger.
“Other than one other player who may have been around 60, most of the guys were in their late 20s and early 30s,” Kezer said. “So, I had a few decades on them — and probably a few more ice packs afterward.”
A one-timer — and closed eyes
The Bruins alumni roster featured familiar names, including forwards Peter Douris and Ken Linseman and defensemen Andrew Alberts and Frank Simonetti.
For Kezer, one moment stood out.
“Stopping a one-timer from Ken Hodge right in front of the net was certainly a highlight,” he said. “On the ice he asked me, ‘How the hell did you stop that shot?’ I told him, jokingly, that I had no idea because my eyes were closed.”
Asked about the intensity of the game, Kezer told the Current, “This was a charity game, so the spirit is different — it’s about community and fundraising. But when you’re facing former NHL players, the speed and shot quality elevate things immediately. The pace was faster than my weekly skates, and the shots were heavier and more precise than what I normally see. I felt every second of the 25 minutes I was out there.”
Playing through pain
Kezer had been managing a hip injury for six weeks leading up to the game — far from ideal for a goalie. He credited the Salem State athletic trainer for helping loosen it up before the puck dropped.
“I worked hard to get ready and did everything I could to be able to play,” he said. “I left it all on the ice. I’m a little sore now, but it was completely worth it.”
If invited back next year, would he play?
“I would absolutely welcome the opportunity,” he said.
For Kezer, who spends his days navigating municipal budgets and meetings, Sunday’s challenge was refreshingly straightforward: stop the puck.
“It was truly an honor to represent Salem State, compete against the Bruins alumni and participate in a meaningful fundraiser,” he said.
The final score? The Bruins beat Salem State, 7-5.
