PLYMOUTH, Mass. - This past weekend Massachusetts Hockey hosted its 42nd Annual Meeting, celebrating a number of new initiatives and adding seven inductees to the Hall of Fame.
The highlight of the general meeting on Saturday morning was a presentation from Co-Founder and President for Concussion Legacy Foundation Chris Nowinski. He captivated the board on concussion and safety awareness after suffering serious concussion complications from his career as a football player and professional wrestler. He was also awarded the Dr. Alan Ashare Safety Award from Massachusetts Hockey later in the evening.
The bid process for the 2016-2017 Massachusetts Hockey State Championships took place during the general meeting. Dates and locations will be announced at a later date pending final review from the tournament committee.
During the general meeting, Executive Director Kevin Kavanagh introduced Massachusetts Hockey’s partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance. “Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) develops BETTER ATHLETES, BETTER PEOPLE through resources for youth and high school sports coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes,” as stated on their website. Any program interested in hosting a workshop will be given a subsidy if set up through Massachusetts Hockey, more information will be available shortly.
Ron DeGregorio, former president of USA Hockey and current co-chair of the USA Hockey board, spoke during the general meeting highlighting the new QuickChange goalie equipment system. Massachusetts Hockey Goalie Development Coordinator Brian Daccord agreed with DeGregorio’s sentiments on the exciting goaltender program. Massachusetts Hockey will be sending out information to associations about how to purchase the equipment at a discounted rate.
For a second season, the Look Up Line subsidy will be offered to Massachusetts ice hockey rinks. Chair of Safety Committee Tom Smith highlighted the effectiveness of the line with an engaging participant video.
As age-appropriate games continue to evolve, hard dividers will be available at a discounted rate if purchased through Massachusetts Hockey. More information about how to purchase the hard dividers is available on the Massachusetts Hockey website.
USA Hockey Regional Manager Roger Grillo spoke about how the American Development Model is expanding into programs across Massachusetts. He highlighted the opportunities for training on-site for all programs.
The Boston Bruins were represented by Mike Dargin, manager of youth hockey development. He showed how the Bruins are teaming with Massachusetts Hockey to promote the license plate program, the Little Bruins Learn to Play Hockey Program, TD Bank Mini 1-on-1 and this summer’s street hockey training.
At the Service Award Luncheon, Massachusetts Hockey presented awards in Excellence in Growth to three programs: Southcoast Panthers, South Shore Seahawks and King Philip Walpole.
Also recognized were all the Massachusetts Hockey volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to the organization. Please see the list below for their names and years of service.
Years of Service | Current Role | ||
John | Bloomer | 5 | Director |
DJ | Briggs | 5 | Assistant Director |
Ken | Calabro | 5 | Director |
Peter | Giuliano | 5 | Associate Registrar |
Christopher | Gong | 5 | Director |
Joe | Higgins | 5 | Director |
Jay | O'Neil | 5 | Fifth Vice President & Rule Committee Chair |
Mindy | O'Neil | 5 | Secretary |
Stephanie | Wood | 5 | Director |
Keri-Anne | Allan | 15 | Director |
Walter | Lloyd | 15 | Director |
Charles "Chip" | Bradbury III | 20 | Director |
Joanne | Federico | 20 | Director |
John | Tobin | 20 | President |
Dan | Esdale | 25 | Director at Large |
Jean Ann | Nigro | 25 | Associate Registrar |
Al | Smith | 30 | Associate Registrar |
During the afternoon session, the group broke into smaller topic sessions including discipline, State Championships, rules, SafeSport, officials and CPR/First Aid.
In the evening on Saturday, Massachusetts Hockey and Master of Ceremonies NESN’s Tom Caron presented their Annual Awards and inducted seven new members into the Hall of Fame.
The Milt Kauffman Award was presented to Jennifer Glynn (Framingham). This award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated a dedication and commitment to youth hockey in Massachusetts through her officiating work.
Bruce Newell (Arlington) was given the Ron and Jo Difilippo Registrar Award. The award is presented annually to a registrar in Massachusetts Hockey who has shown the dedication and commitment to the position that was embodied for many years by Ron and Jo Difilippo.
The Duke Kumpel Special Achievement Award was presented to Mark Hickey (Waltham). The award is presented annually to a member who has taken a leadership role in advancing Massachusetts Hockey.
Christine Mayer (Wellesley) was presented with the Massachusetts Hockey President’s Award. The award is presented annually by the Massachusetts Hockey president to an individual whose efforts are distinguished in the Massachusetts Hockey organization.
Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame inductees included: Boston Bruins Executive Director Bob Sweeney accepting on behalf of Jeremy Jacobs, Bruins Owner and Chairman of Delaware North, David A. Jensen, Former NHL Player and Olympian, Stephen Palmacci, Past President Massachusetts Hockey and Jack Parker, 3 time NCAA Championship Coach at Boston University.
Also, inducted into the Hall of Fame posthumously were: Ray Chaisson (Cambridge), Edward J. Jeremiah (Worcester) and Cliff Thompson (Winchester).
Other notables attending the event included: USA Hockey Olympic coaches Lou Vairo and Ben Smith, former NHL players Glen Featherstone and Pat LaFontaine, Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna and former New England Patriot Steve Nelson.
The business meeting concluded the weekend on Sunday morning. Massachusetts Hockey's Fourth Vice President Phil Zona was awarded the USA Hockey William Thayer Tutt Award in Colorado Springs at the beginning of June. His induction video was played for the board and he was recognized for his accomplishment. To see the original video please click here.
Massachusetts Hockey President John Tobin and Executive Director Kevin Kavanagh focused their reports on the successes of Massachusetts Hockey over the past season and how to keep growing the game.
Three positions were elected to Massachusetts Hockey: Tom McGrath, Director Representative to Massachusetts Hockey Executive Board; Jim Maimone, Director Representative to Massachusetts Hockey Executive Board; Mike Bonish, USA Hockey Director.
Lastly, the Legislative Proposals decisions were put to a vote. Please click here to see the final results of the proposals.
Massachusetts Hockey representatives stand under the district's flag with Boston College Head Ice Hockey Coach Jerry York.