The oldest and the most experienced is Dunedin dentist Peter Ashton (61), who first played hockey at Macandrew Intermediate 50 years ago.
"Each year, I look at my fitness and compare myself with other people of my age," Ashton told the Otago Daily Times.
That comparison is the incentive that keeps Ashton playing hockey.
"Hockey is a game of skill and fitness," Ashton said. "The years I did athletics taught me what fitness was all about. I still run most days."
Ashton's skills will be tested when he plays for the New Zealand grand masters team (over 60) at an international tournament in Cape Town, South Africa, in September. Teams from Europe, Asia and Australia and New Zealand will be competing.
The three other stalwarts are Warren Leonard (55), who has been playing hockey for 49 years, Robbie Green (57), for 48 years, and John Daniel (56), for 43 years.
They will all be playing for the New Zealand over-55 team against Australia in a transtasman series next month.
Leonard, a Dunedin chemist, is adamant it will be his final year in the sport. He has been a coach, umpire and official.
"I have tried to retire three times before and have always been conned back," he said.
"This time, it is the end. I like hockey. It demands a high level of hand-eye co-ordination. It is fun. But it is starting to hurt."
Green, a fish filleter at Port Chalmers, has no intention of quitting.
"I just love the game and always look forward to it," he said. "The friends you meet in masters events are unbelievable."
Daniel, a Presbyterian minister, has made "a lot of friends globally through hockey. I love the game and intend to keep playing."
Ashton is the best-performed player and was in the New Zealand squad that prepared for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.
"But I had knee surgery ... and lost my chance," he said.
He also played for the New Zealand Colts and for masters teams. His best result was to win the Pan-Pacific gold medal in the 40-year age group and a silver in the international 60s tournament in Manchester two years ago.
Leonard played outdoor and indoor hockey for Otago, and next month's event will be his fourth international masters tournament.
Green played senior hockey for Otago for five years from 1972-76 and has represented New Zealand in masters tournaments for the last six years.
Daniel has played in international masters events since 2006 and is also an international umpire.
