The spirit of Norwood pride filled the Elks Hall tonight as the town gathered to honor the Norwood High School hockey team—fresh off their hard‑fought Bay State League championship. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., players, coaches, families, and devoted fans came together for a celebratory banquet recognizing a season defined by grit, teamwork, and hometown support.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of championship jackets and framed team photographs to the Blue Blades, a tribute to the boys who battled through a tight league race and emerged as true champions. The crowd was treated to remarks from four giants of the sports world: • Bobby Cleary, Harvard standout and 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medalist • “Butch” Songin, Boston Patriots quarterback and Boston College hockey All‑American • John “Snooks” Kelly, legendary Boston College hockey coach • Milt Schmidt, Hall‑of‑Fame Boston Bruin and current Bruins coach
The banquet also included the announcement of next year’s team captain, who will follow outgoing captain Jack Bayer, a steady leader throughout the season.
A hearty chicken pie dinner by Connolly Caterers was served, and the event was organized by a dedicated committee led by Pret Neilsen, with Tom Clifford, Ernie Higgins, Helen Neilsen, Bob Ivatts, Gary Maus, and Frank Wall, who served as master of ceremonies.
The Blue Blades’ championship run was one for the ages. Under head coach Don Wheeler, assisted by Rev. Dan Young and Jimmy Gormley, Norwood posted a 9‑2‑1 regular‑season record and entered the playoffs in a three‑way tie with Walpole and Needham. In the postseason, the boys went undefeated—defeating Walpole, Needham, and Wellesley—to claim the league crown by two full games.
Several players earned league honors: • Richy Hebner (sophomore forward) – First‑Team All‑Star • Richy Lovell (senior defenseman) – First‑Team All‑Star • Paul Angelo (junior forward) – Second‑Team All‑Star • Tim Twomey (defenseman) – Second‑Team All‑Star
Tonight’s banquet was nearly a sellout, with only a handful of tickets available at the door. All players and coaches were seated at the head table—a fitting tribute to a team that brought pride, excitement, and championship glory to the town of Norwood.
More Norwood Sports Stories
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Two sisters, two individual New England titles, one historic afternoon. In June 1991, Norwood High’s Sarah and Janny Meeks completely dominated the region’s most prestigious track and field meet in a legendary family performance
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Pitching took a backseat as the Norwood High baseball order erupted for 16 hits and 18 runs to punch their ticket to the South sectional semifinals.
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Norwood American Legion Baseball Team Battles to a Tie Against Andover-July 27, 1990
⠀ The Norwood American Legion baseball team battled against Andover in a thrilling 10-inning game, coming back from a 4-0 deficit to tie 5-5.
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Adams, Norwood work OT-June 6, 1988
A long, grinding tournament matchup turned wild as Norwood clawed back from a five‑run deficit, blasted two game‑saving homers, and leaned on an unlikely pitching hero.
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Legion Baseball Built on Wall-August 14, 1987
Entering the Massachusetts state semifinals against Natick, Norwood American Legion baseball is guided by legendary 24-year head coach Pete Wall.
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Ace Baxter Dominates on Mound-August 12, 1987
Pitcher Bob Baxter struck out nine and drove in four runs, leading Norwood American Legion to a 9-1 victory over Reading in the Eastern Section series.
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Norwood American Legion Baseball Team One Win Away from State Title and Regional Berth-August 12, 1986
With a dominant 30-1 record, the Norwood American Legion baseball team faces Aldenville at Sargent Field in New Bedford seeking a second consecutive state championship.
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Norwood’s Tom Baxter Tosses Complete-Game Four-Hitter in New England Babe Ruth Tournament-August 4, 1986
Ace righthander Tom Baxter tossed a complete-game four-hitter with seven strikeouts to lead the Norwood Babe Ruth All-Stars past Maine 2-1 in the New England tournament opener in Warwick, R.I.
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Mustangs Punish Rebel Miscues in Tournament Opener-June 5, 1986
Capitalizing on nine defensive miscues by rival Walpole, Coach John Solomon’s Norwood Mustangs cruised to an 11-3 postseason opening statement.
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Norwood Caps Dream Season, Captures First State American Legion Title Since 1942-August 15, 1985
Behind a stellar pitching performance from Bob Baxter and a clutch two-run triple by Ned Brigham, Norwood edged Grafton Hill 3-2 to win the state title.
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