Maurice Couture
Induction Year: 2017
Birthday: August 6, 1915
Died: December 25, 1999
City/Town: Concord, NH
The late Maurice Couture, whose standout playing career for Sacred Heart spanned the entire existence of the team, is remembered as a marvelous stickhandler who could score from seemingly impossible angles with an accurate shot.
Born in Concord in 1915, Couture grew up playing hockey on local ponds, including White’s Park. His family lived on Warren Street across from Concord High School. He had two brothers and three sisters. His brother, Lionel, also played for a time with Sacred Heart.
Couture worked at the St. Paul’s School maintenance shop and later at its post office. He also enjoyed playing tennis at the Bow Brook Club and softball for a west end team in the city. He later married and bought a home on Broadway Street.
Couture played for Sacred Heart from 1931-52. He compiled the highest number of goals (119) and assists (115) of any player on the team, and was named captain of the team following Paul Colgan’s retirement from play in 1947. He finished his playing career with 234 points in 150-plus games.
Teammates and friends remember that, though Couture was not the fastest skater on the ice, he had the ability to deke out opposing players, especially goalies, to set himself up in position to score. He also had the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time to make a perfect pass, while also knowing when to shoot on net himself.
He was the captain of Sacred Heart during the famous hockey game held in Concord against the 1952 U.S. Olympic team. Following the disbandment of the team at the end of the 1951-52 season, he continued to play in pickup hockey games at White’s Park for another decade.
Couture would often work late at the outdoor Sacred Heart ice rink to flood and maintain it. It was said he just loved being on the ice and playing whenever he could. His acquaintances also recall how he had a great sense of humor and strong character, and welcomed many new players into the Sacred Heart fold.
Couture passed away at the age of 86 in Concord on Christmas Day in 1999.