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R. I. Reds Heritage Society Expects Record Gathering at 13th Annual Reunion

Providence, RI (7/2/2013): The count is on and expectations are growing for the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society as the non-profit organization prepares to host its 13th Annual Reunion scheduled at Goddard State Part in Warwick on Sunday, August 4, starting at noon.

“We already have sold 200 of our 300 capacity and still have a month to go,” said Bill O’Connor, the society’s chairman of the event since its inception in 2000.

Buster Clegg, president of the 725-member organization, has been in touch with all 135 player-members and reports that a record 35 to 48 ex-Reds and other former stars and officials of hockey are expected to show.

“We have at least five new faces signed up to attend,” said Clegg, who listed Ron Anderson, Don Borgeson, Jean-Guy Gendron, Tom McIvie, and Noel Price as first-timers.

The “Johnny Bower Bus” from Toronto will also carry in Bower himself, as well as Bob Beckett, Gary Collins, Eddie MacQueen, Danny Lewicki and Ray Ross – all former Reds players. The bus will also bring in former NHL/AHL referees Bruce Hood and Ron Wicks, plus former AHL trainer Phil Simon.

Ex-Reds and other pros arriving separately will be Ian Anderson, Ray Clearwater, Buzz Deschamps, John Hutton, Yves Locas, Fleming Mackell, Don McKenney, Don Mellor, Tommy Mellor, Howie Menard, Hartland Monahan, Jim Morrison, Wayne Muloin, George Ranieri, Eddie Sanford and Milt Schmidt. Jack Ferreira, assistant GM of the L. A. Kings and R. I. native, has also indicated he will participate.

Of course, the nine ex-Reds, pros and hockey officials who make their home in Rhode Island are certain to attend. They are Stan Baluik, Serge Boudreault, Ross Brooks, radio voice George Patrick Duffy, Marty Gateman, Gil Mayer, former Reds’ owner Louis A. Pieri, Rich Pumple and Chuck Scherza.

Considering but not yet signed on are Jim Dorey, Ron Harris, Tom Mitchell, Danny Poliziani, Bill McCreary and Bob Nevin, plus NHL trainers Pete Demers and Tommy Woodcock. “By my count, today we have a possible total of 48. That would be way over a record high,” said Clegg.

Sunday’s reunion is open to the public at $35 per person. The event will include an all-you-can eat cookout and introduction of all returning players and special awards.

With only 100 tickets remaining, fans are urged to make reservations quickly. Reservation deadline is July 15. No tickets will be sold at the gate. For further information, please call 401-247-2666 or e-mail UNH1959@aol.com.

Saturday evening (August 3) the players and their families will be treated to a dinner-dance at the 12 Acres banquet facility in Smithfield. Just 60 tickets are available to the public at $35 per person. Reservation deadline also is July 15. Again, no tickets will be sold at the gate.

The Reds Society also announced the Saturday dinner will feature guest speaker Tom McVie, former pro player, coach and now a scout for the Boston Bruins. “We scored a ‘Hat Trick’ getting Tommy as speaker,” added Arnie Bailey, the society’s vice president. “He’s among hockey’s top raconteurs and humorists. Many of our directors have seen and heard him. He’s a very kind, interesting and extremely funny guy.”

For further information call 401-230-5905 or e-mail RIREDS15@gmail.com.

R. I. Reds Heritage Society
PO Box 504 Lincoln, RI 02895
Telephone: 401-230-5905
email: RIREDS15@gmail.com