This Day in Norwood History-May 6, 1964-Hockey Testimonial Is Gala Affair; Honor Blane Maus, Tom Clifford, Sr.

May 6, 1964-Members of the Norwood High Hockey team, champs of the Bay State League, were honored at the Elks Hall last Wednesday. A packed house enjoyed every minute of the event which had four of the top speakers in the sports world “Butch” Songin, Bob Cleary, “Snooks” Kelly, and Milt Schmidt, as guest speakers The players and coaches were presented jackets in recognition of winning the crown, and also were presented with framed pictures of the team.

Blane Maus was chosen next year’s Captain with Paul Angelo and Tim Twomey as alternates

A special plaque was given out by the players to Tom Clifford Sr . for his outstanding work in advancing hockey in Norwood All members of the team had played for him in his hockey program prior to high school Mr. Clifford was given a standing ovation by all present.

Every seat in the hall was taken as the townspeople joined in the tribute to the schoolboy champs.

Rev. Dan Young, who is the assistant coach of the team, said grace and everybody present enjoyed a chicken pie dinner by Connolly Caterers

Toastmaster Frank Wall introduced the school authorities present, who included. Supt Dr. Philip O. Coakley, High School Principal Charles Hayden, and Vice Principal Jack Monbouquette.

Members of the School Committee introduced included Chairman Frank Sheehan, John Cavanaugh, Henry Diggs, Joseph Curran, Mrs. Mary Hemman, and Joseph Olshan. Not present due to a business appointment in Texas, William Eagen sent a congratulatory message to Coach Wheeler and the team Introduced were committee members Preston Ncilsen, Chairman; Mrs. Helen Neilsen, Bob Ivatts. Ernie Higgins, Tom Clifford, and Gary Maus.

Each of the four guest speakers handed out pictures and jackets to the players following appropriate remarks. Former Harvard great and Olympic player Bob Cleary emphasized the importance of schooling and the debt of gratitude that each of the boys owes his parents. He referred to members of the Russian hockey team, against whom he played, as “all great, sports ”

“Butch” Songin, former Boston College All-American and pro star with the Patriots, regaled the audience with his particular brand of humor.

John (Snooks) Kelley Boston College hockey coach, proved himself a raconteur of unusual talent and wit. He mentioned former Norwood great Fran Harrington, who was a member of the B.C. national championship team, and had words of praise for Freddie Kinsman of Norwood, this year’s freshman star at B C.

Bruins skipper and hockey hall-of-famer Milt Schmidt spoke of hockey in general and the National Hockey League in particular. He quipped that he wished some of the championship brand of hockey displayed by the Norwood team would rub off on the Bruins.

Schmidt handed out jackets to this year’s Captain Jack Bayer and next year’s captain, Blane Maus.

Coach Don Wheeler voiced appreciation to the audience for the tribute, and brought members of the team to their feet for an expression of thanks

Several local dignitaries (were introduced, including Selectman Walter Dempsey and Martin Lydon, Football Coach Art Gulla, Little League President Charles Saraca, and Dedham Baseball Coach Lenny Dempsey. School Committeeman Joseph Curran was given a fine hand for his part in the event.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)