Reunion #17

AUGUST 6, 2017 – GODDARD STATE PARK

The Hampton Inn was once again Reunion Headquarters. Friday night’s Meet and Greet was a great time with Chelo’s providing the buffet. Narragansett provided the beer and Coca Cola donated the soft drinks courtesy of former Red, Marty Gateman.

An added attraction this year was sports comedian Mike Donovan, who hailed from Boston. He was brought in by Reds board member and comedy show promoter, Joe Rocco. Mike had the crowd in stitches with his act. Later in the evening the mic was passed around the room with Pete Demers and Buzz Deschamps leading the story telling.

The Saturday Dinner-Dance was held at 12 Acres in Smithfield. The entrees included chicken, lobster, and steak along with clam cakes and chowder. The Barleyhoppers, once again, provided the music. Special guest was Paul D’Amato – aka Dr. Hook from “Slap Shot.” Paul talked about the movie and some of the craziness surrounding it. Paul starred in other movies and TV shows and became good friends with Paul Newman. Former director Nick Azzarone, who posts every morning on the Reds Facebook page, received the Sage Family Foundation Service Award.

Sunday was a spectacular day at the Carousel on Greenwich Bay. Many former Reds players attended. Most are viewed as Reunion regulars. Reds jerseys and banners were hung from the rafters as Tom McDonough introduced the players and other dignitaries. Pranzi Catering again provided a great passed hors d’oeuvres selection and a bounty of delicious BBQ offerings at the buffet line for the occasion.

Bryan Berard was the guest speaker. Board member Joe Rocco and Bryan held a question-and-answer segment to the afternoon, which the attendees loved. Bryan, of course, played for Mount St. Charles and became the #1 NHL draft pick in 1995. He later won the Calder Trophy as “Rookie of the Year” in the NHL and had a great pro career before it was cut short by a serious eye injury. He won the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy in 2004 for his perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey. Buster presented Bryan with the President’s Leadership Award.

Mark Divver, longtime Providence Journal hickey writer, received the Sage Family Foundation Service Award. The Native-Born Rhode Islander Award was presented to 3x NCAA All-American and USA Hockey Hall of Famer, Joe Cavanagh. The Fan of the Year Award was posthumously awarded to Len Tessier, long time board member and a great supporter of the Society. It was accepted by the Tessier Family. Finally, the 2017 Tops Award was presented to Orland Kurtenbach (in absentia). Five local high school players were presented with the Unsung Hero Awards.