All-American Tip Big Assist For Tom Brannelly-This Day in Norwood History-January 11, 1962

It took a two-time All-America center named Art Chisholm of Arlington, who never played goal in his life, to make a key change in the playing style of Northeastern University goalie, Thomas J. Brannelly, 96 Railroad Avenue, Norwood.

Playing his first varsity season as a sophomore last year, Tom had the habit of watching the opposing player instead of the puck, and as a result was missing many shots he should have stopped.

Chisholm noted this, and as captain he made it his job to help the young goalie, and try to correct his form.

This year, Tom has used his new-found knowledge to good advantage and has made a fine showing in Northeastern’s games to date.

Tom has been playing hockey since the sixth grade, and he’s always been a goalie. “All the kids in the neighborhood used to go down to a local pond and play,” Tom said. “That’s where I first learned how to play goalie.”

A third-year student in the College of Liberal Arts, Tom played freshman hockey and then did a fine job the latter half of last season as a sophomore.

“The big secret about playing in the goal is keeping your balance,” Tom said. “If you start to throw yourself around in the crease every time someone skates in on you, you’ll get faked out every time “

Former Norwood All-Star

A 1959 graduate of Nomood High School, Tom won two varsity letters in hockey there, and was named the Bay State League All-Star goalie in his senior year.

While still in high school, Tom and others from Norwood played in Class C and D in the Mayflower Amateur Hockey League.

“It was great experience for all of us. We got to skate more than we ordinarily could, and the competition was tops.”

Tom came to Northeastern the fall after graduating from high school, attracted by the Co-operative Plan of Education. “I liked the opportunity to go to college and also earn some money, and finding a job to coincide with my studies was ideal.”

Under the Co-operative Plan of Education, upperclass students alternate periods of classroom study with periods of equal length on regular paying jobs in business and industry. This plan serves to integrate classroom theory with practical job experience.

Under this Plan, Tom is employed by Pistorino & Company, a customs house brokerage firm in Boston.

The oldest of six children, Tom has four sisters and one brother. “Mike’s a little young yet,” Tom said when asked if his brother played hockey. “He’s only three, but watch for him.”

Tom enjoys the college brand of hockey. From what he’s seen he rates some American college players on a par with their Canadian counterparts. “The Canadians for the most part are better skaters, but some American boys I’ve played against and with have harder shots.”

Tom is the first to admit that he still has much to learn, but like Northeastern’s young team (13 sophomores) he is improving. He deems this year’s club a well-balanced team, and feels the season should be successful.

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