Golf Classic a Resounding Success at Pembroke Pines

 

The New Hampshire Legends of Hockey proudly hosted its 20th Annual NH Legends of Hockey Golf Classic at Pembroke Pines Country Club, welcoming a full field of 128 golfers for a milestone celebration of community, hockey heritage, and charitable support.

This year’s tournament was led by Triplet Computers, LLC of Pembroke as the Title Sponsor, with additional major support from Club National (Gift Sponsor) and Suburban Propane of Franklin (Putting Sponsor). A complete list of sponsors is below.

Sponsors

Ackerson State Farm Insurance Agency, Alpine Club, Amoskeag Beverages, Banks Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc., Bellavance Beverage Company, Inc., Black Ice Pond Hockey Association, Brett Houston, Brochu Nurseries & Landscaping, Christian Party Rental, Club National, Cornerstone PDC, LLC, De Niro Construction, E & R Cleaners, Fay’s Boat Yard, Gallagher, Granite State Capital, In Memory of Gerry & Pat Grassie, In Memory of Krusie, Jeff Eisenberg, Kimball Union Academy, Manchester 40+ Hockey League, Milford Lumber Co. Inc., Mountain Cats Academy, Mountain Kings Academy, New Hampshire Distributors, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, Perkins Landscaping, Queen City Glass, Rene LeClerc Insurance Agency Inc, Sleepnet, Suburban Propane, Tasker Landscaping, LLC, The Philbrick Family, The Rinks at Exeter, Triplet Computers, LLC, Vachon Clukay & Company PC.

More than 50 businesses and individuals contributed auction items and gift certificates, and 25 dedicated volunteers helped deliver one of the most memorable tournaments in the event’s two‑decade history.

Event Photography Now Available

A total of 869 photographs were captured by Matt Parker Photography. They are available to view at no charge, with prints offered for a nominal fee. Golfers may enter their name in the search bar to easily locate group photos.

A small sample of images is included throughout this article and in the slideshow at the bottom. Click here to see all the photos from Matt Parker Photography.

Opening Remarks and Special Recognitions

The day began with welcoming remarks from Mike Gould, President of the Legends, who thanked the golfers, volunteers, and sponsors for their continued generosity and commitment to the organization’s mission.

Before continuing, Gould asked everyone to join him in a moment of silence. He noted that last March, the Legends family lost Hall of Famer Ray Champagne, and this past Sunday, the organization lost its first President, Hall of Famer, and longtime Board Member since 2002, Dick Boucher. Gould reflected on Dick’s extraordinary impact, sharing that he was “truly the heart and soul of the NH Legends of Hockey, and no one loved New Hampshire hockey more.”

Gould then extended a special thank‑you to this year’s Title Sponsor, Triplet Computers, and recognized Nate DiNapoli of Pembroke, who joined the event with his foursome. He also acknowledged two additional major sponsors—Club National, the tournament’s Gift Sponsor, and Suburban Propane of Franklin, the Putting Sponsor—for their continued and generous support of the Golf Classic.

Golfers were encouraged to support the NH East Youth Hockey Association players stationed on the Vegas Holes (4 and 16), where they raised funds for equipment throughout the day.

He went on to recognize the Board of Directors and Executive Director Jim Hayes for their dedication to preserving New Hampshire’s hockey history and supporting youth hockey development across the state.

Gould highlighted the organization’s premier annual event—the NH Legends of Hockey Induction Ceremony, scheduled for November 1 at the Grappone Center in Concord. This year’s inductees include:

• Joe Andrews – Officials Category
• Sandy Smith – Media Category
• Judy Parish Oberting, Martin J. Myers, Sean Tremblay – Coaches Category

The ceremony will also honor the proud hockey tradition of Dover High School, which dates back to the 1935–36 season.

 

Tournament Highlights

Perfect weather and exceptional course conditions made for an outstanding day of golf. Pembroke Pines Country Club delivered smooth play, excellent facilities, and terrific food.

Special thanks to Head Pro Jon Douglas, Deidre Martin, and the entire PPCC staff for their professionalism and hospitality.

2026 Champions

1st Place (-17) Grant Kelly, Grant Goulet, Travis Banga, Justin Wilk

2nd Place (-14) Nate DiNapoli, Richard Boone, Mindy Reid, Rob Covino (Secured second place with an eagle on Hole 5)

3rd Place (-14) Dennis Sahr, Evan Roy, Joey Ala, Carl Hilliker

 

On‑Course Contest Winners

Closest to the Pin

• Hole 4: Rene LeClerc – 10’2″
• Hole 6: Will Brochu – 3′
• Hole 13: Dan Seaman – 3″
• Hole 16: Chris McLaughlin – 5’2″

Longest Drive – Hole 9

• Men: Bill Caron
• Women: Nicole Butkus

Putting Champion – 18th Green

• Chris McLaughlin

Volunteers Make the Difference

The Golf Classic thrives thanks to the dedication of 25 volunteers who contribute their time and energy each year.

Special appreciation goes to Vachon Clukay & Company of Manchester—Jarad Vartanian and his team (Sean McDonough, Logan Pike, Jesse Mayhew, Ella Kunz)—for managing player check‑in and organizing raffle winners.

Additional thanks to Executive Board Member Julie Normand, along with Lindsay Anderson, John Normand, and Joanie Vallieres, who welcomed players, distributed gifts, and supported the 50/50 Cash Raffle. Their efforts helped generate strong participation:

• Thirteen captains pre‑purchased $100 in raffle tickets
• Another 41 tickets at $25 each were sold that morning
• One lucky golfer won $1,162.00

Board Volunteers

Ray Bernard, Mick Mounsey, Al Nixa, Ed Lecius, Jack Mudge, Jim Rivers

Non‑Board Volunteers

Jim Zellers, Joe Farrelly, Tom Harrison, Buster Gilbert, Joe Vallieres, Walter Nadeau, Steve Murphy

 

Thank You to All Who Participated

The NH Legends of Hockey extends its sincere gratitude to every golfer, sponsor, donor, and volunteer who made the 20th Annual Golf Classic a tremendous success. Your support strengthens our mission to preserve New Hampshire’s hockey heritage and invest in the future of youth hockey across the state.

Tradition of Champions

Here’s a look back at all our past champions from the Golf Classic:

Year Champions

2026 – Grant Kelly, Grant Goulet, Travis Banga Justin Wilk
2025 – Matt Junkin, Mike Pagan, Will Banfield, Erol Moe
2024 – Chris Stroshine, Chris McIntosh, Chris McLaughlin, Collin Stroshine
2023 – Lee Blossom, Mark Placy, Don Steenbeke Jr., George Colburn
2022 – Lee Blossom, Ryan Sahr, Mark Placy, Don Steenbeke Jr.
2021 – Mark Bozek, George Chase, Bob Oziomek, Tim Pratt
2019 – Lee Blossom, Ryan Sahr, Mark Placy, Don Steenbeke Jr.
2018 – Mike Desmond, Mike Bayer, Jason Bergeron, Scott O’Neil
2017 – Lee Blossom, Ryan Sahr, JM Sahr, Scott Towle
2016 – Lee Blossom, Mark Placy, Ryan Sahr, JM Sahr
2015 – Rene LeClerc, Pete Ackerson, Steve Grzywacz, Dave Kuhman
2014 – Todd Philbrick, Tom Otto, Jim Corbett, Jerry Collins
2013 – Dick Dodds, John Dodds, Scott Peters, Dean Cashman
2012 – Chris Chisholm, Jim Hayes, Ray Martin, Pat McNicholas
2011 – Casey Kesselring, Jeff Graham, Mike Beliveau, Trevor Smith
2010 – Chris Chisholm, Jim Hayes, Ray Martin, Pat McNicholas
2009 – Mike Castagna, Paul Lemire, Doug Leppart, Doug Snyder
2008 – Chris Chisholm, Jim Hayes, Ray Martin, TJ Whitelaw
2007 – Mike Castagna, Mike Ladouceur, Johnna Lory, Rich Tombs
2006 – Ken Roberge, Mike McGinn, Glen Williams, Dwayne Robinson