AUGUST 4, 2013 – GODDARD STATE PARK

By late afternoon on Friday August 2, the Bower Bus arrived at the Hampton Inn with its 40 passengers who soon gathered for our annual Meet and Greet buffet.

Several former players, and one referee, were at their first reunion. They included Jim Morrison, Doug Keeler, Tom McVie, Steve Andrascik, Ron Anderson, Jack Ferreira, Jean-Guy Gendron and referee, Ron Wicks. Throughout the evening, the microphone was passed around and players told some great stories that have been embellished over the years. They also expressed how much the reunions meant to them.

The Saturday night dinner-dance was held at 12 Acres in Smithfield, RI. The attendees were treated to steak, chicken, lobster and chowder & clam cakes. Music was provided by the Barleyhoppers, the official Reunion Band.

Two guest speakers spoke to the crowd. The first was Tom McVie who, of course, had a long and distinctive hockey career, which included a stint as the Providence Bruins coach. He told many stories that were hilarious, including a story of his 3 seasons as coach of the expansion Winnipeg Jets, which went through a 30-game winless streak at one point.

Rick Medeiros, an official with the Pawtucket Red Sox, had the unenviable task of following Tom to the microphone. Rick did a great job explaining his many jobs with the team. Rick also brought the Governor’s Trophy, which was won by the Paw Sox the previous season. Both Tom and Rick had high praise for HOFers Johnny Bower and Milt Schmidt.

On Sunday, 300+’ attendees arrived at the carousel at Goddard Park where Jim Clegg, Buster’s youngest brother, had hung banners and Reds jerseys to brighten the space. MC Tom McDonough sang the Canadian and American National Anthems and introduced the 36 players on stage in his usual energetic way. The Steak Fry & BBQ was accompanied by complimentary Coca Colas and some cool brews donated by one of our sponsors, Narragansett beer.

This year’s Tops Awards were presented to fan favorites and former Reds defensive pair, Wayne Muloin and Ray Clearwater. The RI Native-Born Awards went to father and son, Don and Tom Mellor. This year’s Sage Service Awards were presented to Anne Sage and Reba Golden. And the Frank McCaffrey Fan of the Year Award went to Jim Clegg.

Gallery

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Wayne Muloin proudly displays his Tops Award

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Ray Clearwater shared the Tops Award spotlight with Wayne

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Serge introduces Johnny to close friend Roger Guillemette

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Hartland & Doug share a moment with Milt Schmidt

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The Bower Bus made record time on their way from Ontario

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Dick Bartlett, Milt, Johnny, Ron Wicks & Bill O'Connor

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Don Mellor praises son, Tom, for his Olympic & NHL career