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Perrault, 35, back in game with Bombers

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By Debbie Juniewicz, Contributing Writer Updated 3:45 PM Wednesday, January 28, 2009

There were a few heads shaking in disbelief and a couple of doubters, even among family and friends, when 35-year-old Kelly Perrault mentioned the idea of returning to professional hockey.

After all, the Alberta native, Tipp City resident and former Bowling Green standout had not played professionally since 2003-04 with the United Hockey League's Fort Wayne Komets.

"I've thrown the idea around for a couple years," Perrault said. "And I knew if I didn't do it now, I'd be disappointed with myself."

He had a conversation with the Bombers in early December, and that conversation became a contract this week, as Dayton signed the defenseman Thursday, Jan. 1. The ECHL's oldest current player will be put to the test immediately this weekend, as the Bombers play three games in three days on the road.

"To be skating with 35-year-old legs is a little tougher, but I've kept in shape the past few years," he said.

Perrault and wife Jennifer, a Coldwater native, met in college. He has competed in a few triathlons in recent years and, most recently, has been skating with sons, Ethan, 5, and Raymond, 4.

"My boys started playing hockey and being back on the ice with them showed me I still have a strong passion for the game," he said.

That passion was evident to Bombers coach Bill McDonald, who first invited Perrault to work out with the team in early December.

"The thing that impressed me most was the condition he was in," McDonald said. "And his experience will help the younger guys."

That experience includes almost 500 professional games.

Bombers ring in 2009

Lots of people make them, and almost as many break them — New Year's resolutions. So, what do the Bombers want to do differently in 2009?

Britt Dougherty: Stay healthy

Danny LaPointe: Win a championship

Nathan Schwartzbauer: Save money

Tom Zanoski: Treat others the way I want to be treated

Dan Riedel: Make new friends

Mike McLean: Work out more