WORCESTER – Worcester Sharks President Michael A. Mudd announced today that Larz Anderson, Eddie Bates, Marvin Degon Sr., Kelly O’Leary, Terry Virtue, and Scott Young will be inducted as the inaugural class of the Worcester Hockey Hall of Fame.

 

The Worcester Hockey Hall of Fame was organized to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact in the sport of hockey in central Massachusetts as a player, coach, official, administrator, as a member of the media, or as a builder in professional, collegiate, high school, or amateur hockey.

 

The Worcester Sharks will recognize the first class of inductees on Saturday, January 22 during the first intermission when the Sharks host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on “IceCats Night – a tribute to the Worcester IceCats.”

 

Brief description of the inaugural class below;

 

Larz Anderson – the late Larz Anderson built the first ever hockey rink in Worcester at Webster Square providing the first enclosed skating rink in central Massachusetts. He was the owner of the Worcester Warriors (EHL) in the mid 1950’s which paved the way to bring professional hockey to Worcester.

 

Eddie Bates – a coach in youth sports for 48 years, the late Eddie Bates was nicknamed the Father of Youth Hockey in the United States after he started the first Youth Hockey program in Worcester and it spread throughout the country. He organized North High School’s first hockey team in 1917, and was the former coach of North High School, Worcester Academy, and Holy Cross.

 

Marvin Degon Sr. – the all-time leading scorer at Worcester State and one of the all-time leading scorers in NCAA Division 3 hockey, Marvin was known for his legendary hard slap shot. He is the father of Marvin Degon Jr. who is currently playing professional hockey in the DEL.

 

Kelly O’Leary – born in Auburn, MA, Kelly played at Providence College and won four silver medals in the women’s World Ice Hockey Championships (1990,92,94, and 97). Kelly was the final cut from the gold medal winning team for the 1998 Winter Olympics women’s hockey team.

 

Terry Virtue – The former Worcester IceCats captain and all-time leader in games played with 455, Virtue was a fixture in Worcester for six hockey seasons accumulating 210 points and 1083 penalty minutes. With over 1,100 professional games played, he suited up in five games in the NHL (4 with Boston, 1 with New York Rangers) and is currently the assistant coach with Owen Sound in the OHL.

 

Scott Young – born in Clinton, MA, Young played 1181 games in the NHL scoring 342 goals and winning the Stanley Cup in 1991 (Pittsburgh) and 1996 (Colorado). The three-time U.S. Olympian played his prep school hockey at St. Mark's School in Southborough and skated with the BU Terriers before turning pro in 1998. He is currently the head coach at St. Mark’s.

 

“The inaugural class of the Worcester Hockey Hall of Fame spans several generations and all facets of hockey,” said Mudd. “The committee would like to thank everyone for their submissions and we look forward to honoring these six worthy individuals at the Sharks game on January 22.”

 

Each year, the WHHF Committee (Bill Ballou – Worcester Telegram & Gazette, John Coughlin – current Worcester State hockey assistant coach, Peter Glanville – former Auburn A.D. and varsity hockey head coach, Michael Mudd – President, Worcester Sharks, Arthur Sachse – former youth hockey coach, Supervisor of Off-Ice Officials at Sharks games, Kevin Shea – Sports Director, Charter TV3, and Sherman Whitman – News Director, WTAG) will review nominations for the upcoming class.

 

For more information regarding the Worcester Hockey Hall Of Fame please contact the Sharks front office at 508-929-0500 or email [email protected].  

 

The Sharks hit the road for three straight games next weekend against three different Atlantic Division opponents before the holiday break!

 

On Friday, the Sharks travel to Connecticut for a 7pm date with the Whale.

 

On Saturday, Worcester travels to Bridgeport for a 7pm tilt with the Sound Tigers.

 

Team Teal wraps up the weekend in Manchester on Sunday at 3pm.

 

The Sharks return home on Sunday, December 26^th for a special 6:30pm start vs. the Portland Pirates. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Worcester Sharks Slap Shot movie poster presented by WTAG. Dr. Hook from Slap Shot will be on hand to sign the movie posters!

 

Its $5 Kids Sundays presented by Papa Gino’s! Kids 12-and-under are just $5 with a purchase of an adult gold level ticket! With each complete purchase (along with the purchase of an adult gold level ticket) fans will receive a FREE large cheese pizza coupon to be used at participating Papa Gino’s locations. The $5 Kids Sunday ticket offer will only be available at the DCU Center Box Office on the day of the game.

 

 

Marina Riva, Chris Curtis, Jonathan Forsberg, Jason Jones, Kristen Moore, and Matt Renzulli are all selling group ticket specials and exciting holiday ticket offers!  Jump in today and save over 30% off box office prices!  Some of the exclusive benefits for full season ticket holders will include:

 

·         Guaranteed same seat for all 40 home dates and playoff home games at the DCU Center

·         Priority access to purchase tickets to DCU Center events (subject to availability)

·         Five FREE friends and family vouchers

·         Exclusive events with the Worcester Sharks players

·         Merchandise discounts and much, much, more!

 

Season ticket packages and group tickets for the 2010-11 season are on sale now by contacting the Worcester Sharks Office at 508.929.0500 or by crashing the net at www.SharksAHL.com.

 

All games can be heard live on 580AM and 94.9FM WTAG, as well as online through AHL Live, by following the link on the Sharks website at www.SharksAHL.com.