Reunion #3

SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2003 – GODDARD STATE PARK

It was a beautiful day. Reds classic jerseys from the 40’s to the 70’s were hanging from the carousel balcony. Rene Rancourt, anthem singer for the Boston Bruins, delivered the Canadian and American national anthems.

Thirty-six ex-Reds players and executives and other pro players were in attendance. And what a line-up it was! They came from near and far. Local Reds included Stan Baluik, Harvey Bennett, Al Bentley, Serge Boudreault, Ross Brooks, Marty Gateman, Bob Leduc, Gil Mayer, and Chuck Scherza. The family of the late Zellio Toppazzini was there, as well.

Traveling from Canada were Billy Warwick and the late Georgey McAvoy’s family (Alberta), Art Michaluk (Manitoba), Bo Elik, Aldo Guidolin, Ivan Irwin, Bob Robertson and Ray Ross (all from Ontario), Bruce Cline and Paul Larivee (Quebec).

From other states: Wayne Muloin (Ohio), Andre Peloffy (NC), Nick Polano (Michigan), Ray Clearwater (CT), Buzz Deschamps (NY), Fernie Flaman and Don McKenney (MA.)

Other ex-pros present were Tim Army (ME), Bronco Horvath (MA), RI residents Bill, Jim and Harvey Bennett, Jr.and Rich Pumple. Former Reds owners Lou Pieri, Jr., George Sage and AHL consultant Gordie Anziano also took part.

George Patrick Duffy gave a re-enactment of the 1948-49 Game 7 victory over Hershey in the Calder Cup final. The Tops Award was presented to Buster Clegg and Harvey Bennett, Sr.

The afternoon continued with lots of stories, a delicious buffet, a popular raffle and purchases of Reds merchandise.

Ray Ross declared: “This was the best reunion yet.”