Normand A. ‘Kangaroo’ Hebert
Year Inducted: 2007
Birthday: May 8, 1938
City/Town: St. Dominic, PQ Canada
“Kangaroo.” He was a scorer, a jumper and always an annoying opponent. He also, when he was on the ice, was faster and more acrobatic than any of those who tried to catch him. Beloved by many but not by all, “Kangaroo” was Normand Hebert and he had the ability to bring the crowd to its feet, no matter which town he played in. He grew up in Quebec and in 1962 settled in Manchester, bringing with him a long list of hockey credentials. His earliest skating history traces to age 5 and by age 12 he was being scouted by Les Canadiens. During high school, he played for the Aces of Magog (1955-57) and during his second season was the top Scorer (25 G/40 A.) Later, he played three seasons of Junior Hockey in Granby, PQ, followed by a semi-pro season in which he was the team’s leading scorer. Once settled in Manchester, he found the local rink and signed on with the Alpine Club, playing four seasons in the Granite State Hockey League (1962-63 through 1965-66.) Among others, his teammates were Ray Champagne and Willie Bibeau. For two seasons, Norm was the AC’s leading scorer, and was selected team MVP in another. Then came his tenure with the famed Manchester Blackhawks of the New England Hockey League. He played four seasons (1966-70) and twice led the team in scoring (’67 and ’68.) When the Blackhawks became the Manchester Monarchs, Norm was right there on opening night. The Monarchs existed for four seasons (1970-74), first as a member of the NEHL then as a member of the Can-Am League. In 1970, “Kangaroo” was selected to play on an All-Star team that traveled to Lake Placid to take part in the Kennedy International Games. In two games, he scored two goals and assisted on four others. Also in 1970, he recorded 68 assists, which was an NEHL record and he finished fifth in scoring with 80 points. Overall, the Monarchs won the regular-season title in 1970-71 and also two League Championships. In his last two years of competitive hockey prior to his return to Quebec, Norm played for the independent Tri-City Coachmen (1974-75) and for the Concord Budmen in the NEHL (1975-76, their first season). He returned to Canada the summer of 1976. Three of his children were born in Manchester and two sons played in the Manchester Youth Hockey travel team program. Norm has participated in several Blackhawk Alumni games including the Big Reunion games against the Concord Eastern Olympics. He still plays in a checking league once a week back home and surely continues to bring the crowd to its feet. Normand A. “Kangaroo” Hebert – Class of 2007.
