Thursday, August 11, 2011
Golfers Support College Hockey, Inc.
More than 130 members of the hockey community gathered Aug. 8 in Marlborough, Mass., to participate in College Hockey, Inc.’s second annual golf tournament and support the organization’s mission to promote the sport.
Current college coaches, NHL executives, current and former NHL stars, hockey media and fans of the game took part at the beautiful Marlborough Country Club, playing through two brief rain showers but otherwise enjoying a beautiful day.
“This is really a tremendous event,” said UMass head coach Don “Toot” Cahoon, whose foursome posted the low net score. “It has grown significantly since last year. We’re all friends of the game and there’s a great feeling of community here.”
Former college stars in attendance included Hal Gill (Providence/Montreal Canadiens), Bobby Butler (UNH/Ottawa Senators) and recent UNH graduate Paul Thompson (Pittsburgh Penguins). Other NHL representatives included Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, league vice president Brian Jennings and Hockey Hall of Famer Pat Lafontaine.
“It’s great to see so many people come out and support our game,” executive director Paul Kelly. “It’s always good to spend time with hockey people, particularly in August when we’ve been away from the rink for a while.”
College Hockey, Inc. owes special thanks to the presenting sponsors of the tournament: Bauer, the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres, the NBC Sports Group, the NHL, the NHLPA, Reebok and USA Hockey.
CBS Sports analyst Dave Starman emceed the banquet after the round, serving as auctioneer, presenting raffle prizes and handing out awards to the following exceptional performances:
Low Net: Don “Toot” Cahoon, Blaise MacDonald, Jim Connelly, Joe Haggerty
Second Low Net: Mark Diagle, Tony Rivers, Don Goochie, Pete Mastirouis
Third Low Net: Bob Gaudet, Bob Grant, Dennis Hughes, Barry Ryan
Low Gross: Matt Keator, Jim Logue, Brendan Bruner, Steve Lyons
Second Low Gross: Peter Chiarelli, Paul Kelly, Ted Donato, Andy Brickley
Closest to the Pin (#7): Don Milano
Closest to the Pin (#12): Ted Donato
Long Drive (women): Kathy Bertagna
Long Drive (men): Grant Ledyard