Jerry Toppazzini 1931-2012
The American Hockey League and the Sudbury Star are reporting on the passing of former Springfield Kings coach, and hockey legend, Jerry Toppazzini.
Toppazzini was named coach of the Kings when the club moved to the brand new Springfield Civic Center for the 1972-73 season. Topper took over the Kings at a difficult time, as the National Hockey League had embarked on an ambitious expansion plan, while the upstart World Hockey Association had been formed and played their inaugural season in '72-'73. This left many clubs, not just the Kings, with a talent void that made it difficult to put together a successful team.
Both of Toppazzini's seasons at the helm in Springfield, the club finished in the cellar of the Northern Division of the AHL. With a rapidly disillusioned Jack Kent Cooke pushing the buttons from the west coast, it was indeed a difficult time for the Springfield franchise.
Most recently, Jerry accepted his late brother Zellio's induction into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame, at this year's All Star Weekend.
Mark Your Calendars
Springfield Hockey Heritage Society members, mark your calendars!
Our next big date will be Sunday July 29th. Like last summer's very special afternoon at the Coliseum, we have been fortunate enough to secure the Colly Corner at the Coliseum again this summer!
If you remember, last summer was a truly memorable afternoon where we were joined by a "Who's Who" of Springfield hockey. The Society is planning on making this July's event even more memorable! Stay tuned to this website, as well as our social media: Facebook and Twitter, and also your email. As the date draws nearer, we will have more information!
Quail Run Fun
Saturday March 24th, the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society had a great time at Quail Run Estates in Agawam!
An hour long presentation on "Hockey...Then & Now" was well received by a group of enthusiastic residents and friends. The presentation was split into two parts. First, we gave an overview of the history of pro hockey in the greater Springfield area from 1926 to the present. The second part of the afternoon was a "hands on" presentation, showing the differences in hockey equipment over the years. Among the items used for comparison: Hockey Sticks - first, a straight bladed Bill Sweeney stick from around 1960, compared with a high tech Mitch Fritz stick used by Mitch as a Falcon from about four years ago.
Also compared were sweaters, then and now. First, a replica Springfield Indians jersey from the late 1950s. Second as a comparison, a game worn Springfield Kings sweater from around 1970. Then, we compared those to an air knit model that the Falcons wore during their time as an Edmonton Oilers affiliate.
It was a fun and fast paced hour. If your group or organization would like the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society to make a similar presentation, you can send us an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call the office at 413-650-SHHS (7447).
The Greatest non-NHL Team of All?
Like a fine wine, the appreciation for the record setting Springfield Indians of 50 years ago continues to the present day!
SHHS Charter Member Garry Brown wrote a great story on the 50th anniversary of the 1960-61 Calder Cup champions, published in the Springfield Republican on May 15th. If you didn't see the article, please check it out here.
Also, the SHHS would like to reacquaint you with an article that was posted here last season, looking at the 1959-60 club.
The back to back to back Calder Cup championships of those Indians remain the only time in the 75 year history of the American Hockey League that a team has accomplished that feat.
