The Milton Oldstars could have been just another hockey team, but Bruce Dolson made sure we were not.

 

Dolson instilled a sense of civic pride and community service in the team that has seen us raise more than $600,000 since our inception in 1980. 

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Dolson, while managing Milton's Rockwell International plant, agreed to buy the team sweaters, helmets, gloves and pants if the team would in turn raise money for community projects.

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"His vision of seeing where this could go was paramount in making us unique from the hundreds of other oldtimers teams," said Dave Del Papa, an original member of the Old Stars and current President.

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The team began raising money with exhibition hockey games against NHL Old-timers and the Flying Fathers and today operates both a hockey and a golf tournament.

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While other teams hold tournaments to help pay for team expenses, Dolson's original backing, as well as the support of sponsors who have followed in his footsteps, allowed the team to use money raised for community projects.

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Over the years the Old Stars have contributed over $500,000 to the Milton's hospital, helped with Make-A-Wish projects, paid for the elevator and flooring updates at Milton Memorial Arena and funded scholarships at Milton High Schools.

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"Bruce was a visionary," said Del Papa, who said Dolson involved in the early fundraising projects. "He not only arranged them, he was the driving force in getting people to come in and take part."