AUGUST 5, 2012 – GODDARD STATE PARK
For the first time, the Bower Bus, with 40 passengers, hit a couple of snags on the way to Warwick from Toronto. The bus was stalled behind a major accident on the way and the line at customs was backed up as well. The 11-hour trip turned into 14 hours.
The Meet and Greet started late as a result but it didn’t take long for the fun to begin. The night was highlighted by the Society presenting a gift to the first referee to attend a Reds reunion, Bruce Hood. Bruce was presented with a referee shirt with HOOD on the back. Underneath his name was 82%- the percentage of on-ice calls that the Society calculated that Bruce got right. The assemblage, including Bruce, roared with laughter.
On Saturday morning several players took the bus to the Providence Civic Center in Providence, home of the Providence Bruins. They included Johnny Bower, George Ranieri, Ray Clearwater, Wayne Muloin, Danny Lewicki, Don McKenney and Pete Demers. They got to see the 3 Reds kiosks, which provide a snapshot of Reds history and were recently installed on the concourse. Others decided to tour the Newport Mansions.
A Saturday night dinner-dance was held at Chelo’s, just across the road from the Hampton Inn, our reunion headquarters. 125 folks enjoyed a sumptuous meal and were entertained by Ray Reniere and the Barleyhoppers. A 4th Reds kiosk was unveiled at the event, soon to join the other three at the Civic Center. This one reflected the Reds locker room at the Arena. Directors’ Awards were presented to Nick Azzarone, George Landes, Len Tessier and Andy Mayer. Buster presented the President’s Award to Arnie Bailey.
A sellout crowd of 300+ attended the Goddard Park BBQ, including 32 former players and executives who graced the stage for Tom McDonough’s introductions. First timers besides Bruce Hood included Hartland Monahan, Gary Doak and Johnny Hutton. Then there was Phil Simon, friend of Ray Ross. Phil had a long career as a stick boy, most notably with the Cleveland Barons. Of course, Reds director and reunion MC, Tom McDonough, served as a Reds stick boy, most notably during the 55-56 Calder Cup run. Tom and Phil really hit it off as did the fans perusing the Barons scrapbooks Phil brought with him.
Gallery
IMG_9525
Is Tom Mellor trying to get away with Serge's jersey?
IMG_9435
Bruce Hood sang a tune for a very surprised Johnny Bower
IMG_9425
Players lined up on stage for opening introductions
IMG_9421
The lovely Shirley Toppazzini and her daughters
IMG_9353
Wayne Muloin, Ray Clearwater & Howie Menard
IMG_9286
The 4th of the Reds' Civic Center Kiosks was unveiled