Ron Gosselin
Induction Year: 2024
Birthday: January 3, 1937
City/Town: Manchester, NH
Ron influenced New Hampshire hockey through his various ownership affiliations. His local teams included the Jr A Generals, Blackhawks and Jr A Canadians. He was also a co-owner of the Sherbrooke Beavers in Quebec.
Gosselin Hardware opened in 1933 and Ron took over from his father in 1965. He introduced the hockey department around 1967 with the equipment exchange being an annual highlight for hockey players. In fact, the sports department was such a success that after Ron sold the Hardware Store in 1990, he moved the business to a new location under the name Gosselin Skates & Sports. Players, young and old, were enthusiastic patrons until its sale in 1997. Ron was the sole proprietor of the Sports Elite Distributor Company and the Don Awrey Sales Agency. Through these ventures, he became well-known in the New Hampshire hockey community. In addition, he owned and operated the Manchester Professional Hockey School.
The school operated for fourteen years and included such notable coaches as Montreal Canadien’s Bunny LaRocque and Bruin’s Terry O’Reilly. Ron assisted many players in their quest for college scholarships and recalled two Manchester locals in particular. Former Generals Jack Lampron went to Ohio State and Jon Rheault, who played for Colgate credits Ron for his long-term impact. Rheault coached for over thirty years and both his son and daughter played D I hockey. Ron later scouted for the Sherbrooke Beavers, eventually partnering with hockey icon Guy Lafleur and ten others to become a co-owner. During Ron’s tenure, twenty-eight players advanced to the NHL. He took particular delight seeing them in the big league, especially when they showed up at The Boston Garden.
Hockey business can be challenging. Ron owned the Manchester Jr. A Canadians from 1982 – ’84. Don Awrey was his first coach before Don Marcotte took over for the next season and a half. Midway through the third year, the league folded and Ron formally ended his involvement in hockey ownership. Instead, he shifted his attention to other business opportunities.
His new company, Sports Elite Distributor, came into existence in 1988 and was the designated agent for the New England Region with sales throughout the United States. But Ron still had time for the local players. For over twenty years, he sponsored Pee-Wee Teams in the Manchester Regional Youth Hockey House League. Ron’s generosity and dedication consistently demonstrated his desire to build local hockey.
We recognize Ron’s unique variety of achievements and contributions to positively influence others during his many years in hockey.