Paul Colgan - NH Legends of Hockey

Year Inducted: 2015

Birthdate: May 20, 1913 - October 16, 1992

Town/City: Concord, NH

When the Sacred Heart Church in Concord formed a four-team local hockey league in 1931, and selected top players from those teams to represent the parish, one of the first standout players was the late Paul Colgan, who’d go on to play 15 years for the renowned Sacred Heart team, including the last nine as captain.

A Concord native, Colgan was the son of Philip Colgan, who designed and built the Sacred Heart ice rink on Pleasant Street, along with Elphege Couture, in 1930. Paul Colgan, a forward, started playing for the team in 1931 and rarely missed a game for the next 11 years.

Between 1931 and ’42, he was the team’s leader in goals (73), assists (34) and points (107). During this period Sacred Heart posted a record of 82-26-5. Colgan held the team record for most goals (seven) scored in a game in 1933 until it was tied 15 years later by St. Paul’s School great Richard “Doc” Mechem.

The outbreak of World War II caused a threeseason (1942-45) cancellation of play. During this time, Colgan served honorably in the U.S. Army, in the Pacific theatre, until being discharged from the service in 1945. Ice hockey resumed in Concord in 1945-46 and Colgan was again named captain of the Sacred Heart team, an honor which he held until his retirement as a player in 1949. In 156 career games, he was Sacred Heart’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals, 47 assists and 136 points.

Moving behind the bench, Colgan coached Sacred Heart during its famous game against the U.S. Olympic team on January 9, 1952, right here in Concord, at the Pleasant Street rink It was a game that saw Sacred Heart leading the American All-Stars through two periods.

According to people who knew him, Colgan will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit, gentlemanly manner, high moral character and gracious camaraderie. On the ice he was a fleet skater, a keen play-maker, a great passer and stick-handler with a hard shot.

Colgan passed away on Oct. 16, 1992 at the age of 79. His legacy was one that inspired many New Hampshire youths, who went on to later play for local schools and leagues.