AUGUST 7, 2016 – GODDARD STATE PARK
The 16th Annual Reunion commenced on Friday night with the usual Meet and Greet at the Hampton Inn, Reunion Headquarters. Buster made his customary introductory remarks with an update on the Society’s work. He also led the congratulations to Bruce Cline on his being elected to the AHL Hall of Fame. Bruce has been a reunion attendee year after year. Chelo’s provided the buffet and beverages came complements of former Red Marty Gateman. Great stories were told by several players with Hartland Monahan getting the biggest laughs.
The Saturday night Dinner-Dance was held at 12 Acres in Smithfield. The food was great, including lobster, as well as clam cakes and chowder. The Barleyhoppers provided the music for some surprisingly talented dance partners
Three Awards were presented during the gathering. The Sage Family Foundation Service Awards were presented to David Belisle and Sean Lavoine. David, the longtime Asst Coach at Mt. St. Charles and son of Mount legend and USA Hockey Hall of Famer, Bill Belisle. gave a wonderful acceptance speech with his dad in attendance. Sean, an AHL Vice-President, has long been the Society’s go-to guy at the League for help or advice. The President’s Award went to Vin Cimini, ex-Reds official and Hockey News correspondent, who has brought many new ideas to help keep the Society’s Board moving ahead.
As the Sunday Reunion began, strains of “Roll Out the Barrel” could be heard throughout the Carousel at Goddard Park by the 225 in attendance. Tom McDonough was again emcee and introduced the players and other dignitaries on the stage.
Eno Croft (New Haven Blades) and former Red, Mike Bloom, were first timers. Pranzi Caterers did a great job providing a delicious Steak Fry, BBQ & buffet. Lots of merchandise was sold nostalgically hung from chicken wire strung behind the merchandise tables. In a very poignant moment, a framed full-color Frank Galasso cartoon depicting the sadness related to Topper’s death was presented to Shirley Toppazzini.
The Tops Award was presented to the very popular Don McKenney, a great player for the Reds after starring for 9 seasons with the Bruins. The Native-born Rhode Islander Award was presented to Jack Ferreira who was in his 44th season of hockey, most recently with the LA Kings. The Frank E. McCaffrey Fan of the Year Award was posthumously awarded to “Lincoln Larry” D’Alphonso, heckler-in-chief at the Auditorium. His daughter, Patty Fox, accepted the award, presented to her by Buzz Deschamps, a regular target of Larry’s jeers. Six Unsung Hero Awards were presented to RI boy and girl high school hockey players in honor of Gil Mayer, Fernie Flaman and Chuck Scherza.
Gallery
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The Baileys - Bea, Sue & Mike - ham it up before dinner
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Checking out the auction table at the Carousel
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Bob Spaziano shows of his own personal Reds candle
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Don McKenney deservedly received the 2016 Tops Award
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Shirley displays Frank Galasso's cartoon tribute to Topper
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Hartland Monahan's brother, Kim, "hangin' loose"
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Buzz presents the "Fan of the Year" award to Patty Fox, daughter of his heckling nemesis, "Lincoln Larry" D'Alfonso
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Andre presents the Gil Mayer Unsung Hero Award
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Danny Lewicki and Howie Menard with the Monahans