Hockey Team Honored After Winning Bay State League Championship-This Day In Norwood History-April 29, 1964

The pride of Norwood’s winter sports season—the Norwood High School hockey team—will be celebrated tonight at a community banquet recognizing their hard‑earned Bay State League championship. The event, hosted at the Norwood Elks Hall, marks the culmination of a remarkable campaign in which the Blue Blades posted a 9‑2‑2 record and then swept through the league playoffs to secure the title by a full two games. For a town that rallies around its athletes, this evening stands as both a tribute and a moment of civic joy.

Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., with the hall expected to be filled to capacity. Only a handful of tickets remained as of this afternoon—a testament to the enthusiasm surrounding this team and the community’s desire to honor its young champions.

A Night of Recognition

The highlight of the banquet will be the presentation of championship jackets to each player, a visible symbol of the dedication and grit that carried the team through a tightly contested season. The boys will also receive framed team photographs, commemorating a year in which they proved themselves the class of the Bay State League.

Team captain Jack Bayer, who provided steady leadership throughout the season, will be recognized for his service. In a tradition that always generates excitement, the coaching staff will also announce next year’s captain, passing the torch to the player chosen to lead the 1964–65 squad.

A Distinguished Speaker Lineup

Tonight’s program features an impressive roster of sports figures whose accomplishments span hockey, football, and Olympic competition:

• Bobby Cleary, former Harvard standout and member of the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold‑medal hockey team, brings firsthand insight into championship‑level play.
• “Butch” Songin, well‑known Boston Patriots quarterback and former All‑American hockey player at Boston College, adds a dual‑sport perspective.
• John “Snooks” Kelley, the legendary Boston College hockey coach, will share reflections drawn from decades behind the bench.
• Milt Schmidt, Hall of Famer, former Boston Bruins star, and current Bruins coach, offers a professional lens on teamwork and perseverance.

For the young Norwood players, hearing from such a distinguished group is certain to be a memorable experience—one that underscores the significance of their own achievement.

A Season to Remember

The Blue Blades’ championship run was anything but easy. Entering the final stretch of the regular season, Norwood found itself locked in a three‑way tie with Walpole and Needham. The playoffs demanded perfection, and the team delivered: victories over Walpole, Needham, and Wellesley secured the crown and demonstrated the squad’s resilience under pressure.

Head coach Don Wheeler, assisted by Rev. Dan Young and Jimmy Gormley, guided the team with a steady hand. Their leadership helped shape a roster that blended veteran presence with emerging talent.

The league recognized several Norwood players for outstanding performance. Richy Hebner, a high‑scoring sophomore forward, and Richy Lovell, a senior defenseman, earned spots on the First All‑Star Team. Paul Angelo, junior forward, and Tim Twomey, defenseman, were named to the Second All‑Star Team, further highlighting the depth of skill on this championship roster.

Community Effort Behind the Celebration

Tonight’s banquet is the result of weeks of planning by a dedicated committee led by Pret Neilsen, with members Tom Clifford, Ernie Higgins, Helen Neilsen, Bob Ivatts, Gary Maus, and Frank Wall, who will serve as master of ceremonies. A chicken pie dinner prepared by Connolly Caterers will be served to the players and attendees.

While the evening is open to the public, the banquet itself is “strictly for the team,” with all players seated at the head table alongside their coaches—a gesture underscoring that this night belongs to the young men who earned it.

A Town Celebrates Its Champions

For Norwood, the 1964 hockey season will be remembered not only for its victories but for the spirit with which the team represented the town. Tonight’s banquet is more than a celebration—it is a moment of shared pride, honoring a group of athletes who brought excitement, unity, and accomplishment to their community.

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