Club National
Year Honored: 2025
The Club National was founded in 1921 as a nonprofit, private club and later became associated with the Club National Hockey Team. Beginning in 1923, Club National was Nashua’s traveling hockey team who played an inter-city schedule against teams from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. In 1926, the New England Hockey League was created. Nashua joined Berlin, Lewiston and Waterville to play a 36-game schedule in the NEHL along with games against their regional rivals. Their home ice was today’s Sandy Pond, then referred to as Balcom Ice Pond. During their five seasons in Nashua, Club National would play at Sandy Pond (Pine Street rink), the Nashua Country Club, and South Common, later the site of Nashua High School, 1937 – 1975. Today, in a room at the club, a little-known bit of Nashua history comes alive as the faces of young men stare straight ahead through the thick glass that has preserved their likenesses for generations.
The Club National retains a series of weathered wooden frames displaying large black-and-white photographs of hockey teams, their bulky jerseys bearing a large ‘N’. Most team photos are from the 1920s, Nashua’s heyday from a short-lived league almost fully dependent on Mother Nature. The original clubhouse was a rustic, wood-frame dwelling around which the current edition of Club National is built. Sitting adjacent to the pond, it doubled during the hockey season as a post-game hangout and served as a convenient gathering spot for players and fans alike.
The Club National Hockey Story
Club National was Nashua’s traveling hockey team and their entry in an early 20th century independent circuit called the New England Hockey League. To truly appreciate the prowess and talent of Club National players and their opponents, it helps to understand the evolution of ice hockey in North America. The first report of hockey being played in the United States dates back to 1883 when players took to the black ice on Lower Pond at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire. An organized hockey game in Montreal, Canada had been played only eight years earlier. Hockey in both countries was about to take off. This early hockey revolution, in all its various forms, resulted in an immense pool of talented players circulating in and around New England.
The International Professional Hockey League of 1903 produced America’s first pro hockey team, the Portage Lakers of Houghton, Michigan. They played scheduled games against teams from Michigan and Ontario. Created in 1910, the National Hockey Association would become the National Hockey League in 1917. On December 19, the four-team NHL league would play their first games in Montreal and Ottawa. Montreal had two teams, the Canadiens and the Wanderers. That night, the visiting Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 7 – 4, while in Montreal, the home town Wanderers squeaked past the Toronto Arenas by a score of 10 – 9. The city of Montreal got the bragging rights for dropping the first NHL puck. Their 8:15 face-off time was fifteen minutes ahead of the 8:30 start in Ottawa.
The 1920’s proved to be a great decade for American hockey. Boston made their NHL debut in 1924 as the first American team, joined the following year by Chicago, Detroit and New York. These U.S. cities combined with Toronto, Montreal and four others, bringing the number of teams to ten. By 1942, the Depression and WW II had reduced the NHL to “The Original Six”. It was during these early years that former Club National star, Art Lesier would win his Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens. Of equal importance to hockey development in America was the success of the 1920 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team. Strangely enough, they won the silver medal at the Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium. Ice hockey made its Olympic debut there, with games played between April 23 – 29 at the Palais de Glace, aka the Ice Palace. The tournament was also deemed to be the First World Championship Games. While all this transpired, Club National was thrilling home-town fans in Nashua.
Thanks, in part, to the construction of the Boston Arena in 1910, New England was flush with talented players in towns and cities throughout the Northeast. Nashua’s Club National skated their way through some of the best amateur clubs around. Being just 45 miles from Boston, the team was a frequent visitor to Massachusetts. Opponents who returned to play in Nashua included Melrose H.C., Boston A.A., Boston Maple A.A., Lowell Independents, Fitchburg H.C., Cambridge Catholic Club, Cambridge American Legion, Worcester and Wakefield, along with state rivals, Concord, Manchester and Berlin.
To appreciate the calibre of hockey being played at the time, Boston counted seven amateur teams in their city. They had three of the four teams playing in the East Division of the United States Amateur Hockey Association (USAHA), which formed in 1920. The other teams in the East were city rivals Boston Hockey Club and Boston Maple A.A., along with the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets. From Boston A.A. alone, nine players, over time, would make their way to the NHL. After the USAHA folded, it was soon replaced by the American Hockey Association which would become the AHL, a stopping point for many players on their way to the NHL. Although a notch or two below these leagues, such was the level of hockey at the time Club National was playing in New England. Before the players finally packed their duffle bags for the last time in Nashua, two NHL Stanley Cup Champs would play for Club National. This exciting hockey surge inspired Nashua, and other cities across America to get to the rink to support their local teams.
While Club National had been operating mostly in the southern circuit playing Lowell, Melrose, Fitchburg, Framingham, Cambridge Legion, Wakefield, Malden, Manchester Circle Davignon, Manchester A.A., Lewiston and Portland Independents, a strong Berlin, NH team was busy travelling and hosting teams from the East Division of the USAHA. Berlin was not a member of the league, but they frequently travelled to Boston and were competitive there, even defeating two of the USAHA teams. On invitation, three teams accepted Berlin’s offer to visit. The New Haven Bears of Connecticut, Boston A.A. and Maple A.A. of Boston made the trip north. Berlin defeated both Maple A.A. and the Bears. Such was the level of amateur hockey being played at the time and the elite company that Club National was keeping.
As the sport grew in popularity, rivalries developed and enthusiasm for ice hockey continued to rise. Corporate sponsors like Brown Paper Mill in Berlin, NH promoted local hockey in their city. D.P. Brown founded the Berlin Athletic Association hockey team in 1921 and was the head hockey coach of Berlin High School. Two powerful rival teams existed in Berlin at the time, the Berlin Athletic Association and the Berlin Hockey Club. They played against other northern teams in ‘mill leagues’ and in exhibition games in Maine and Quebec. Brown’s company sponsored the Berlin Mountaineers, a Mill League team that would become the sole state rival of Club National in the New England Hockey League.
The 1925 – ’26 hockey season would arrive with great anticipation. The Nashua Telegraph ran a story in July to report an announcement by Club President, Alfred Dionne, that a new rink would be built on South Common. He claimed the rink, “would allow Nashua fans to see the best hockey in this part of the country”. The total cost of the project was estimated at $ 5000. Any money not used to build the rink would be directed to remodelling the club house on Pine Steet. With Club National anticipating their new rink at South Common, they looked ahead to another great year in Nashua hosting teams from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. A group of six teams emerged that season, loosely referred to as the New England Hockey League. They were Nashua, Lowell, Manchester, Fitchburg, Worcester and Lawrence. Later, the managements of Worcester and Lawrence chose to be excluded. Although this temporary organization was referred to as the NEHL, it was not the group of four teams, Nashua, Berlin, Lewiston and Waterville, that Gus Burque would bring together to form the New England Hockey League of 1926 – ’27 and 1927 – ’28.
Nashua businessmen Augustus Burque, jeweler, Eddie Labine, auto dealer, and funeral director Wilfred Robichaud shared a vision to inspire their city through hockey. Their goal was to establish a more select group of teams that would feature Nashua’s Club National. A partnership was formed to organize and fund the endeavor. Burque then arranged a meeting with team representatives from Berlin, Lewiston and Waterville to create the New England Hockey League (NEHL). These four teams would still arrange inter-city games as they had done previously, but the NEHL would create a 36 games per team schedule, would post standings for those games alone, and a league champion would be declared.
Burque and Labine convened with the other NEHL directors in Portland, Maine. Following the meeting, the Nashua Telegraph reported that Club National would play in Berlin on Christmas Day, then host three home games in a row. Waterville would visit on Monday, Lewiston on Thursday and Berlin would return to Nashua on New Years Day. The Club National line-up would be Lacombe, Jalbert, Drapeau, Thibeault, Larsen, Paradis, Hill, Brochu, Bois and Colombe.
As manager of Club National, Gus Burque made regular visits to Quebec to scout and sign players. The team was generally an even split between American and Canadian talent. This was also true of their NEHL rivals in Berlin, Waterville and Lewiston. Burque was also there to bring seasoned Canadian teams to the region for four days at a time to play in Waterville and Nashua, hoping to elevate Club National’s level of play. Christmas Eve arrived and the NEHL season was a day away. That night, the Nationals posted a win over Melrose in a warm-up game before their trip to take on the Berlin Mountaineers. The game would be an NEHL season opener for both teams. Eleven National players planned to travel, play, stay overnight in Berlin and then head to Waterville for that team’s opener.
Ten games into the season, Lewiston and Waterville were tied on top. Berlin and Nashua were both four points behind the leaders. But cracks were already beginning to form in the league. Waterville had crossed the line when they broke the ‘pirating rule’ by signing Club National star and fan favorite, Aime Jalbert while still an active player on the Nashua roster. When he finally arrived back in town wearing a Waterville sweater, a record crowd was on hand to see Jalbert in enemy garb. They were treated to what might have been the best hockey game ever played in Nashua. The hard-fought contest was Nashua’s best of the season. Former NHL player and Stanley Cup Champ, Ted Stackhouse, was now wearing a Club National sweater. He was a stand-out as usual, and Fred Paradis dazzled the crowd by scoring a beautiful goal on a brilliant individual effort. Hammond was spectacular in the net, allowing only a single goal in the 3 – 1 National victory.
More trouble was brewing. Berlin failed to come to Nashua for a play-off game. Tensions flared when League President, T. F. Lessard instead allowed Berlin to travel to Waterville for a postponed game, contrary to the demands of a Nashua management protest. The Nashua rink remained dark. Thirty-six games were scheduled that first NEHL season but not all were played. Old Man Winter left town early and the Nashua rink turned to mud. Waterville was all alone in first place after 30 games, but due to a dispute involving player eligibility, their team was suspended. Berlin had slipped to fourth place. That left Lewiston to challenge Nashua in a two game, total goals championship series. The Nationals took both games by scores of 1 – 0 and 2 – 1 to become the first, and only team, to ever win the NEHL Championship.
The truncated 1927 – ‘28 season was the second and last for the fledgling NEHL. The same four teams were vying for the championship, but arguments about officiating and player eligibility plagued the better part of the schedule. Players in Berlin left their team due to a poor record, low attendance and financial problems. The Mountaineers called it quits on February 8th and two days later Lewiston dropped out leaving only Nashua and Waterville. Standings from February 6 had Club National in first place, but it didn’t matter. The league collapsed and no champion was declared.
The bright light for the team and their fans that final season was the arrival of Art Lesier. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Art played 23 games for Club National before moving on to a stellar professional career with the Providence Reds of the Canadian – American League and the International American Hockey League. He led Rhode Island to three Fontaine Cup titles and two Calder Cup championships as a player, team captain and player/coach. He spent five NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks between 1928 and 1936. As a member of the Canadiens in 1931, Art became the first American-born player to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.
As the 1928 calendar expired, so did the Club National hockey era in Nashua. By then, it was clear that the team had played their final game. Management took out an ad in the Nashua Telegraph on December 16 to announce the following: “For Sale, Lease or Rent – Good Ice Hockey Arena Located Here. An enclosed arena, suitable for hockey, fights or promotion events, seating capacity 1200. Apply National Club, Pine Street.” The club had lost thousands of dollars during the past five years. With the NEHL behind them, directors made no attempt to promote Club National for another year.
Nashua hockey enthusiasts still wanted hockey in their city. They knew it wouldn’t be the calibre they had come to expect and appreciate, but the city hockey committee had purchased the board fence previously used by Club National. Once the weather co-operated, games could resume on the pond at Nashua Country Club, the same patch of ice used by Club National in their earlier days. Nashua would only schedule teams from neighboring Country Clubs and contests between Concord, Manchester, Brookline, Brae Burn, Commonwealth and Reading were already booked. However, none of the former Club National players would appear in the line-up. The final buzzer had sounded on their hockey relationship in Nashua.
To be fair, in the bigger hockey picture, Club National was just one in a long list of local amateur hockey teams playing for their city, albeit an important one for Nashua. The NEHL was a few cuts beneath the leagues who ranked below the NHL. But that’s using a wide lens. Club National contributed more than just providing sports entertainment in Nashua. By the time of the armistice on November 11, 1918, more than 4 million Americans had served in the U.S. armed forces and 116,000 had lost their lives. The giant industrial Amoskeag Mill, upriver in Manchester, and Nashua Manufacturing Company, were re-tooling from the war effort and recovering from the textile strike of 1922. The strike had handcuffed industrial behemoths in New England and elsewhere, shutting workers out of factories, creating hardship and animosity, and setting cities off-kilter. Times were bleak.
At its peak, the mills in Manchester had 17,000 employees. Labor was needed there and in other factory towns throughout New England. Cities along the rivers opened their doors to any immigrant willing to work. This welcoming attitude prevailed in Nashua, especially to those from Quebec. The Saint Louis de Gonzague Roman Catholic Church was built on West Hollis Street by Nashua’s French-Canadian population in 1873. The vast majority of names on Club National rosters were French. As noted, Manager Gus Burque was a frequent visitor to Quebec and kept a steady stream of talented and eager hockey players flowing through the Club National line-ups. Along with the local talent, these players were warmly welcomed at the Pine Street club house and must have felt at home in Nashua with their American and Franco-American fans.
But you can’t put a price on pride, community and the thrill of watching your team leave it all on the ice. Club National hockey brought and left these intangibles behind in Nashua. They’d won the championship and finished first in the only two seasons of the NEHL. Two Stanley Cup players had skated in Club National jerseys, not to mention the years of excitement created by Aime Jalbert, ‘The French Flash’. Tens of thousands had come out to support their team. Far beyond the game itself, hockey provided a desperately needed post-war diversion, fostered civic pride and built a strong sense of community in Nashua. Those are priceless, intrinsic gifts. The population of Nashua in the 1920s was around 28,000. On their best day, Club National brought 5,000 fans out to the rink. That’s nearly 1 in 5! They may have arrived in town quietly and left the same way, but between 1922 and 1928, Club National made a lot of noise.
Club National Hockey Through the Archives of The Nashua Telegraph
The New Hampshire Legends of Hockey extends thanks to the Nashua Public Library for their assistance in locating newspaper articles from the archives of The Nashua Telegraph. Many of these articles have been summarized and appear below with dates and headlines for those who may wish to further explore the Telegraph archives.
1923 – 1924
December 24, 1923 – National Hockey Team Waits Ice
The Nationals have constructed a fine regulation rink at their club on Pine Street. Twenty players will try out. The list includes a number of college players as well as others who’ve played on the best Canadian teams. Aime Jalbert, a former Quebec Champion will coach and also play. Romeo Morin will be captain after having spent three seasons with Berlin.
January 21, 1924 – National Club Hockey Club Wins – Feature Event of Manchester Winter Sports Carnival
The National Club extended its winning streak with a 3 -0 win over their Queen City hosts. Slow ice was a problem for both teams but the teamwork of Larsen and Pelletier kept the puck in Manchester territory most of the game. The team will travel tonight for a game in Melrose. Arrangements are in the works for a series against the fast-skating Berlin team.
January 28, 1924 – National Club Hockeyists Keep Their Slate Clean
Nashua took on a rough Concord squad and defeated them 3 – 0 on Saturday afternoon. Aime Jalbert scored the hat trick.
February 9, 1924 – Putnams Meet Nationals Tonight – Fitchburg Aggregation has had a Good Season
Manager Oscar Phaneuf has confirmed that the Nationals will play the fast-skating Putnam Hockey Club tonight at 7:15 at the Nashua Country Club. The National’s line-up will feature Larsen and Germain Jalbert on the wings, Pelletier at center, Lavoie and Aime Jalbert on defence and Ernest Jalbert in goal. Don Ramsey will officiate.
February 25, 1924 – National Hockeyists Take Another Game in Extra Period Contest
The Nationals needed overtime to defeat Cambridge American Legion 4 – 3 at the Nashua Country Club. Germain Jalbert scored the opener before Cambridge jumped ahead in the second period. With the game tied after regular time, Jalbert scored another to extend the National’s winning streak to 7 games. Lavoie played a great game on defense. The Nationals will challenge Malden on Thursday night.
February 28, 1924 – Hockey Today at Country Club Rink – Tonight’s Game Between Manchester and Nashua
The National Club goes into tonight’s game having won their last five and will take on a strong Amoskeag A.A. of Manchester who recently watched the Nationals play at the winter carnival in the Queen City before challenging them to a series of games. Nashua will go with their usual line-up with a start time of 8:00 p.m.
1924 – 1925
December 15, 1924 – State Hockey – First Game This Week if Weather Keeps Right
The National Club of Nashua put hockey on the map and evidently, it’s here to stay. The team sparked hockey interest in the southern part of the state and Berlin, a perennial hockey power, has been doing the same for years up north. With two Nashua teams operating in the city, chances are good fans will see two games a week. This brings the possibility that a state hockey league could develop that might include Nashua, Concord, Manchester, Franklin and Berlin.
December 23, 1925 – Hockey Fans of City Want Cold Weather
Cold weather is on the Christmas list of the estimated 3000 National’s fans hoping to see their team take the ice against Manchester on Christmas Day. Even a slight drop in temperature will allow the ice crew to prepare the rink for the game. Although poor ice conditions have hampered the practice schedule for local players, the contingent of newly arrived Canadians should be game-ready.
December 24, 1925 – Through the Sportlight
It appears that the prayers of 3000 hockey enthusiasts have been answered. The ice at Pine Street rink will be ready for the big game tomorrow. The team was out on the Sandy Pond for a valuable workout yesterday. Nashua ice-maker Arthur St. Pierre took advantage of the cold snap and spent all night getting a firm coating of ice down for the game today against Manchester.
December 29, 1925 – Dubuc’s Team from Queen City Coming
Nashua’s Mayor, Eaton D. Sargent was on hand to drop the puck at the official opening of this hockey season with 3,000 hockey fans crammed into every available space. One of the city’s local bands added to the ceremonial festivities. The ice was in perfect condition and coach Pelletier had his line-up ready to go, even after receiving a telegram that two of his stars would not be arriving in Nashua until next week. Jean Dubuc’s brilliantly hued American marvels from Manchester will face the powerful National line-up of Alfred Paradis, Anthony Thibeault, A. Ouellette, Aime Jalbert, Jimmy Walsh with Metievier in goal.
December 30, 1925 – 3000 Fans Watch New Nashua Team Humble Manchester Stars
The crowd was bigger than expected and were treated to a fast and thrilling contest that saw their home team defeat Manchester 3 – 2. Club National’s Aime Jalbert, Nashua’s greatest player, repeatedly brought the crowd to a frenzy. The game was no pink tea party with the penalty box overflowing at times.
December 30, 1924 – South Common Rink to be Equipped with Flood Lights
Manager Burque hopes to complete negotiations for the National’s game here on New Year’s Day. Both the Nationals and Nashua A.A. will use the South Common rink. Special flood lights are on order and the bleacher seats will accommodate a larger crowd than would have been possible at the Nashua Country Club.
January 2, 1925 – Season Opens at South Common Rink on Holiday
Over 3000 fans witnessed the opening of the Nashua hockey season yesterday. Both the Nationals and Nashua A.A. defeated two fast teams. The Nationals handed Lowell a 7 – 1 loss. Nashua went to over-time in game two to register the 4 – 3 win over Melrose.
January 7, 1925 – Melrose Hockey Team Here Friday
Good news! The lights may be ready for the game against Melrose A.A. on Friday night. Manager Tremblay announced that his team is ready to face the strong Melrose squad and has booked the Nationals to face them, providing the lights are installed on time.
January 13, 1925 – Nashua and Melrose Town Battle to a One – One Tie
Nashua A.A. and Melrose put on quite a show for the 5000 fans, giving them all they asked for. The lone Nashua tally came from Aime Jalbert, but Melrose was finally able to get one past goalie Ernest Jalbert to draw even.
January 13, 1925 – Strengthen National Club Hockey Team
Captain Leo Larsen is back in the National’s line-up paired with Paul Paradis, one of the best centers in Quebec. Manager Burque has also added Martin, from Sherbrooke, Quebec to the National’s roster.
January 14, 1925 – Defense Stops Advance of Strong Malden A.A.
With their strengthened roster, the Nationals had no trouble in their 3 – 0 win over Malden. The visitors had trouble breaking through the tight Nashua defence and when they did, they still couldn’t put the puck past Metievier. The Nationals will next face the Greenwoods from Wakefield.
January 15, 1925 – Some Fast Hockey Games Scheduled
Fans are in for some speedy action over the next ten days. The Nationals face the Greenwoods tomorrow night and Nashua A.A. will play Cambridge American Legion who will then return to Nashua on Monday to take on the Nationals. Berlin could be in town Thursday. They’re taking part in a carnival at Lowell on the weekend and might be available for the game if they choose to arrive early.
January 16, 1926 Two Over Time Periods in Snappy Ice Game
Despite a 2 – 1 loss for the home team, two excellent periods of hockey kept 4000 fans on their toes. Paradis finally broke through for the opening goal before Greenwood quickly responded with one of their own. After three minutes of the second over-time, Wakefield finally slipped one past Metievier for the 2 – 1 win.
January 17, 1925 – Cambridge Legion Team Here Monday
The Nationals have two tough contests coming up this week. Cambridge American Legion is here Monday. Berlin is on a tour in southern New England, having played games at the Boston Arena against city teams there. They’re no strangers to the teams down here and draw a crowd wherever they play.
January 20, 1925 – Nationals Win Over Cambridge Legion in Flashy Hockey Fight
The National’s slipped past a plucky Cambridge team 2 – 1 despite poor ice conditions. Paradis showed some clever moves to score first and Jimmy Walsh added to the National’s lead on a disputed goal. Cambridge argued that the puck did not enter the goal. They lost the argument and the game.
January 22, 1925 – Homicidal Hockey Play Must Stop
They carried Irving Small off the ice last night before sending him to the hospital. The Boston A.A. player was slashed across the face by a Berlin opponent. Officials said the attack was unprovoked. The team waited for Irving before returning to Boston.
January 22, 1925 – Nationals Win Easy Up River
Circle Davignon was easy picking for the Nationals last night in their 2 – 0 win over Manchester. Jimmy Walsh and Paul Paradis struck again and did it early. Manchester had strong forwards but were weak on defence. But for their goalie, the score would have been much higher.
January 23, 1925 – Hockey Games This Afternoon
The National Club’s second team will square off against St. Anselms today. Nashua will go with Morrisette, Joyal and Pelkey up front, Rosicot and Houde on defence and Rivet in goal. Bouthillier will substitute. Hockey-loving fans can stay for a second game between J.F. McElwain and W.H McElwain shoe factories.
January 23, 1925 – Goal Tend Metevier is Brilliant Star of the Game
The game was the fastest ever seen at the South Common rink. Berlin came out the loser of the 4 – 2 thriller due to the brilliant work of Nashua goalie Metievier. Sharing honorable mention were Alfred Paradis and Leo Larsen. The ice was a little rough for both teams but rougher for Berlin.
January 25, 1925 – City Series Hockey Game Off Awhile
Nashua A.A. and Club National will not face each other today in the first game of the city series. A misunderstanding and a schedule conflict developed when one of the teams already had plans to play another opponent. Both teams are wary of engaging in a game for the city title this early in the season as both are taking steps to strengthen their sides. Hockey fans are much divided over the merits of each team and the outcome.
January 29, 1925 – Unable to Make Any Show Against Nationals
The Nationals had an easy time of it at the South Common rink last night in their 6 – 0 win over Melrose. This was the same team that gave Nashua A.A. such a great game earlier in the season. The contest started late at 8:30 so as to allow the Wednesday night shoppers and store clerks a chance to see the game. Paul Paradis, Jimmy Walsh and Captain Leo Larsen picked up two goals each. Metievier was in goal and made some brilliant stops to hold Melrose scoreless.
January 31, 1925 – Queen City Hockey Stars Prove Easy
The National Club defeated the Circle Davignon of Manchester 2 – 0 before a large crowd at the South Common rink. The game was rough, with body checking and tripping in abundance. Leo Larsen scored both Nashua goals before being taken out from an injury in the third period. The officiating was lax and both officials could not seem to keep the game from getting out of hand. Metievier played another fine game in goal.
Thursday February 5, 1925 – Even the Subs Were Able to Skate Rings Around ‘Em
Alfred Paradis put on a show and demonstrated some nifty work as the Nationals added to their recent string of victories with a convincing 5 – 0 win over Framingham. A crowd of 2500 were on hand to watch the Paradis brothers notch four of Nashua’s five goals. Acting Captain Jimmy Walsh played well. Goalie Metievier had little to do to earn the shutout.
February 6, 1925 – Chance Shot Gets Behind Goalie Just Before End
The Nationals lost a close one last night at the South Common rink before 5000 fans. Nashua faced one of the best teams in the Northeast, the Dartmouth Grads. The final score was 1 – 0. Paul Paradis and Grad’s Scott were banished to the ‘sin bin’ for roughing late in the third period. Nashua’s Management is to be commended for bringing such a Class A brand of hockey to the city. Jalbert played goal for Nashua. Paul Paradis was at center with teammates Walsh and Alfred Paradis on the wings. Morrissette and Larson were on defence. Dartmouth countered with Leonard, Sheehy, Eaton, Scott, D. Perry and W. Perry.
February 10, 1925 – Weather Man Puts Damper on All Skating
The city hockey series between Nashua’s Nationals and N.A.A was called off indefinitely due to the warm weather. It’s doubtful that the series will go ahead unless a spell of really cold weather hits Nashua soon.
February 12, 1925 – Continued Thaw Has Hit Sport Hard Here
Hockey in Nashua may be over for the season. The rink at South Common is nothing but mud and neither the Nationals nor the Nashua A.A. have practised for over two weeks. Nashua’s Recreation Department met today to decide if work on the ice will be called off for the year. Considering the costs and the few games that remain on the schedule, it looks like it’s time to hang up the skates. Fans hoping to see the two Nashua teams face each other in the city series will probably have wait.
March 3, 1925 – Local Team Going to Boston Arena Tomorrow
The Nashua Nationals will travel to the Boston Arena to take on the Ramblers, one of the strongest teams around. The Ramblers have many Boston players who recently played with the Dartmouth Alumni. The financial incentive for Nashua is the promise of a small percentage of ticket sales, hopefully motivating a large number of fans to make the trip. The Ramblers and Nationals will play the second game. The premier contest will feature a USAHA league game between local rivals Boston A. A. and Maples A.A.
1925 – 1926
July 18, 1925 -National Club Plans Modern Ice Rink for Nashua
According to Club President Alfred Dionne, the new rink would be built on South Common. He claims the rink will allow Nashua fans to see the best hockey in this part of the country. The total cost of the project is estimated at $ 5000. Any money not used to build the rink will be directed to remodelling the club house on Pine Steet.
December 12, 1925 – National Club Players to Begin Practice Work
National’s Manager, Gus Burque, announced that three of Nashua’s big stars, recruited from the Canadian amateur league, will arrive by the weekend. The ice has been flooded at the newly erected arena. With the cold weather, the ice is ready for the local players and for Nashua’s citizens as well. All are welcome for a free skate at the new rink. The full eleven-member squad will be assembled to start practicing and if conditions hold, the team will likely play their season opener on Christmas Day against Manchester.
December 19, 1925 – List Includes Best Players in Amateur Ranks of Canadians
Christmas Day will deliver a special gift when the greatest aggregate of hockey stars hit the ice in Nashua. Five Canadian players are expected to join the Nationals this week. The Ouellette brothers played at McGill University. The Thibeault trio, Harry, Forrest and Oliver are heading down from Montreal. Oliver chose to play in Nashua and retain his amateur status despite an offer from the Montreal Canadiens. William Gagnon of Laconia NH is also on his way. Metievier will be in goal, Jimmy Walsh joins the Paradis brothers up front, and fan favorite, Aime Jalbert have all been signed to the Nationals. Napoleon Pelletier, an old time Canadian and Nashua favorite will take charge as coach.
January 2, 1926 – Line-up for Hockey Game at Pine Street Arena this P.M.
A strong Melrose A.A. team, coming from one of the best hockey cities in the country, will be here for an afternoon game at the Pine Street arena. Melrose has strung together an impressive record over the last two seasons and will face the National’s sextet of Gagnon, A. Ouellette, Fred Paradis, Aime Jalbert, Jimmy Walsh and Metievier in goal.
January 2, 1926 – Jalbert and Gagne Stars at Last Nights Battle on Pine Street Rink
An estimated crowd of 2,000 was on hand to watch Aime Jalbert, ‘The French Flash’, pick up four more goals as he and Leo Gagne played major roles in the National’s 7 – 2 victory over a strong Union A. A. club from Boston. Along with Gagnon, Thibeault displayed the level of skill required to keep them both on the roster. Nashua’s lead allowed the team to use many of their substitutes after the middle of the second period. Although the penalty box saw a lot of occupants, it was more a result of hard play than roughness.
January 4, 1926 – Walsh, Thibeault Feature in Close Contest with Melrose A.A. Outfit
The National’s posted their third win in four games with a trouncing 8 – 5 win over the Melrose H.C. Saturday afternoon in front of 1,000 fans. Leo Larson, captain of the team, returned to the game in the second period. The game was closer than the score indicated. Fitchburg visits this evening on their first appearance this year at the Pine Street arena.
January 13, 1926 – Through the Sportlight – Five Games in Five Days
The Nationals head out for a three-day road trip to Maine on Monday before returning home for two more games on Thursday and Friday. They’ll be in Berlin tomorrow, Lewiston on Tuesday and Portland on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to play Thursday, then will host Lewiston St. Dom’s on Friday. Nashua fans might remember the name Tondreau. Now with St. Dom’s, he was storm-center late in 1925 season and again during the city championship series. Now in Lewiston, he’s reported to be one of the most feared players in hockey by reason of his hard, and at times, questionable play.
January 14, 1926 – Fitchburg Here Tonight for League Hockey Game
The real excitement for Nashua fans will be seeing four Jalbert brothers on the ice at the same time. Three former Nashua players, all from the Jalbert clan, have joined Pop Conley’s squad in Fitchburg. Ernest will be in goal with Germain and Victor on the wings. Brother Aime will take his regular spot for the Nationals as he faces off against his brothers.
January 16, 1926 Fitchburg Team Gave Very Little Opposition
The Nationals found themselves in a slow game against Fitchburg defeating them 6 – 2.
March 9, 1926 – Hockey Notes
No records exist, but according to Club National’s management, Saturday’s game against Framingham could have set a world’s record for most goals scored. The record stands at 42 and Nashua was well on its way to hit that number by the middle of the second period. The players began to take breaks at their bench as play continued. Undoubtedly, they could have easily rolled the score up to 50.
1926 – 1927
September 16, 1926 – Club Waits Outcome of League Plans
No decision has been made by National’s management about constructing an enclosed roof on the Pine Street rink. The NEHL hasn’t confirmed whether or not Portland will be the fifth team in the league. Nashua’s manager, Gus Burque, will travel to Waterville next week to negotiate with that team about bringing seasoned Canadian teams to New England for four days at time to play in Waterville and Nashua. Meanwhile, the Nationals have been “besieged with letters from Canadian hockey player who want to play under Club National’s colors.
December 16, 1926 – Thibeault on National Club’s List
Right-winger Anthony Thibeault arrived at midnight last night from Canada for another season with Club National. Thibeault left mid-year, at the height of his game, to have his appendix removed. He’s put on fifteen pounds and should have no trouble gaining back his spot in the line-up. A meeting of the City Hockey league will be held at the Club tomorrow to draft the rules for the coming season.
December 18, 1926 – Hockey Heads Off for League Meet, Portland
Club National’s Gus Burque and Assistant Mgr. Edward Labine will head to Portland, Maine tomorrow for the final meeting of the newly organized directors of the New England Hockey League. The full schedule for the 1926 – ‘27 season will be drafted at the meeting. Other agenda items will include naming player eligibility for each team, to draft a rule against ‘pirating’ of players from other teams and to decide which, if any, Canadian teams will be included.
December 20, 1926 – First Hockey Game Slated for Tuesday
Manager Burque announced Club National’s upcoming schedule after his meeting with NEHL directors in Portland. Nashua will play in Berlin of Christmas Day; Waterville will be in Nashua on Monday, Lewiston on Thursday and will host Berlin on New Years Day. The entire NEHL schedule will be announced next week. The full Club National line-up will be ready to go: Lacombe, Jalbert, Drapeau, Thibeault, Larsen, Paradis, Hill, Brochu, Bois and Colombe. An exhibition game is scheduled for this Thursday against either Hudson or the Banker’s A.A. of Boston. The opponents are rumored to be a clever aggregate of former college stars who will appear under assumed names. Burque will be looking over his roster of prospects as the Nationals prepare to finalize their team for their games in the NEHL.
Note: The entire NEHL Schedule for Nashua, Berlin, Lewiston and Waterville is listed in a Nashua Telegraph newspaper article on December 23, 1926 under the heading, Nationals Open Season at Berlin
December 23, 1926 – Postponed Hockey Game Will Be Played Tonight
Melrose A.A. will be at the Pine Street rink tonight. Their line-up of college stars is one of the strongest around the greater Boston area. The ice is in excellent shape for the 8:30 start. Don Ramsay will officiate. All the new men signed on to the National’s roster will see action tonight, including Manager Lacombe who is excited to skate with his prospects as they prepare for the season opener with Berlin.
December 24, 1926 – Nationals Open Hockey Season with Win Over Melrose
The Nationals posted a win over Melrose last night and will now head to Berlin tomorrow to take on the Mountaineers. It will be the NEHL season opener for both teams. Nashua will stay overnight and then head to Waterville on Monday .
December 24, 1926 – League Will Open at Berlin – Nashua Hockey Team Takes Trip North for Holiday.
The official NEHL season opener in Berlin will include appropriate celebrations and a puck drop by the mayor. Eleven Club National players will stay overnight in Berlin before travelling to Waterville for that team’s season opener on Tuesday.
Other Nashua Hockey Notes – Christmas Hockey Game, Pine St. Rink
The Nashua Wanderers, composed of former selected stars, will face a strong Circle St. George outfit of Manchester. Nashua will feature former stars St. Pierre, Pelky, T. Joyal, C. Joyal, Paul Paradis, Ernest Jalbert, Germain Jalbert and others.
December 29, 1926 – Nationals Leave for Lewiston
The Nationals leave for Lewiston this morning with a 1 and 1 record. All four NEHL teams have identical win-loss records at this time.
December 30, 1926 Hockey Team Loses to Waterville
Waterville blanked the Nationals 4-0 last night in Maine. In the only other game, Berlin lost to Lewiston St. Dom’s.
January 2, 1927
Season Opens at South Common Rink on Holiday
It was a good night for the home town fans. Over 3000 were on hand for the opening games of the season. The Club National had an easy time with Lowell, posting a 7 – 1 victory. The Nationals nursed a narrow 2 – 1 lead after period one. Lowell held strong in the second, allowing only a single goal by Pelletier. But Gus Burque’s team owned the third period as the Nationals tallied four more times on goals by Pelletier, Pelkey, Houde and Joyal.
Game 2 between Nashua A.A. and Melrose was a squeaker. Aime Jalbert scored twice in regular time as the teams traded goals back and forth. But Jalbert wasn’t done yet. The game went to overtime and he scored his third of the night, giving Nashua the lead with thirty seconds to go. Melrose responded, forcing the game to sudden death. To the delight of the home crowd, Jalbert counted his fourth of the contest, giving Nashua A.A. the 4 -3 win.
January 3, 1927 – Hockey Fans Witness Berlin Team Take Easy Win
A holiday crowd of 2000 were on hand at the Pine Street arena as the Berlin Mountaineers defeated the Nationals 5 – 1. Leo Larsen netted Nashua’s lone goal in the first period. As expected, it was a hard-fought game. The penalty box did not lack for occupants, more a result of hard play than intentional physicality.
From The Press Box – Fans sounded off after the National’s loss to Berlin. Although Lacombe allowed five goals, more help was needed in support. Management has considered cutting four players off the roster, but to date, their hands have been tied due to the lack of sizeable crowds. However, having 2000 in attendance will certainly strengthen the National’s standing in the league.
January 4, 1927 – In other hockey news, the City League will stage two doubleheaders this week. The first will be tonight when the National Cubs face off against Nashua Mill followed by a game featuring the Lake Streets and Hazelbrooks. On Thursday, the Lake Streets will play Crown Hill and then it’s St. Francis Xavier vs Hazelbrooks. Tony Joyal will referee both games.
January 6, 1927 – Jalbert Signs up with Waterville Hockey Team
After three seasons in Nashua, Aime Jalbert will be switching jerseys, having signed on with Waterville where he will play right wing. The crack forward leaves today and will join his new NEHL team tonight when Waterville takes on Lewiston St. Dom’s.
January 7, 1927 Nashua Wins Hockey Game at Berlin
Anthony Thibeault scored the lone goal of the game in the second period. National defenseman Vizer put on the goalie pads, making 38 saves to earn the shutout. Fans will get to see Ted Stackhouse in the Nashua lineup. A native of Nova Scotia, Stackhouse has played with Rhode Island in the Cam- Am League and in the NHL with the Toronto St. Pat’s.
January 8, 1927 – Nationals Playing in Great Form Win Classy Victory Over Lewiston
Ted Stackhouse, recently acquired from the Rhode Island Reds of the Cam-Am League scored first on an end-to-end rush. He was also outstanding on defense. Hammond was in net for Nashua tonight and this win, a turning point, put the Nationals in a tie for first place in the NEHL with Waterville.
January 10, 1927 – Lewiston and Berlin This Week
All four NEHL teams see heavy action this week. Tonight, Nashua visits Lewiston and Waterville is at Berlin. The Nationals will move on to Waterville the next day, followed by Lewiston at Berlin on Wednesday. The pairings on Thursday will see Berlin at Waterville and Lewiston visiting Nashua. On Friday, Waterville is in Lewiston and Berlin will make the trip to play the Nationals. Bill Stewart will make his debut this week as Nashua’s new coach.
January 11, 1927 – NEHL Standings After 10 Games
Lewiston and Waterville sit tied on top with 12 points apiece on identical records of
6 and 1. Nashua and Berlin have both won 4 and lost 6 putting them 4 points behind the leaders.
January 21, 1927 – Nationals Here Tomorrow Evening
Nashua fans will witness Berlin’s ‘Flying Frenchmen’ in action at the South Common tomorrow evening. The Mountaineers have been rated the best hockey team in New Hampshire. They meet up with the Nationals after playing two games in Boston against Boston A.A. and Maples A.A. at the Boston Arena. A special ‘tag sale’ will take place during the game to raise cash for the event. Collections the past two weeks have barely met expenses. While a big crowd is expected, the baseball bleachers will not be used, but everything is being made ready to give fans the best accommodations possible. National’s line-up will feature Captain Leo Larson and Alfred Paradis on the wings between center, Paul Paradis; Walsh and St. Pierre on defense with Metievier in goal.
January 22, 1927 – Top Teams Strengthen for Final Half
Berlin has trimmed back, sending Petron, Alphonse and Gaston packing while adding three Bostonians, the Hall Brothers and McKinnon to their roster. Meanwhile, Waterville has acquired the Prince Edward Island duo, ‘Spike’ Williams and ‘Wackie’ McEachern. Nashua is still buzzing over Waterville’s questionable signing of National’s star, Aime Jalbert on January 7, who after three seasons in Nashua switched jerseys. National’s management believes Waterville stretched the league rules and violated the pirating rule by picking up Jalbert, gratis, while he was still signed on with Nashua.
January 24, 1927 –Unfortunately for Nashua’s hockey fans, the exhibition game against the Ottawa Shamrocks was cancelled due to warm weather and soft ice. The Shamrocks are currently challenging for the Allen Cup, a Canadian prize that would give them the right to represent Canada in the Olympics. The game would have brought some of the best men in the game to Nashua, counting King Clancy, Herb Litrea and Alex Connell among them.
January 25, 1927 – Officials for Hockey Games Now
The majority of the NEHL’s management believe the value of the league, still in it’s first year, is too valuable to let refereeing interfere with the outcome. Currently, home teams are responsible for referees for local games. Nashua believes that their rep, Don Ramsay, is the best in the circuit when it comes to fairness on the ice. Berlin opposed the idea and protested against the expense of adding the salaries of neutral refs and their travelling expenses to their bottom line. With three teams supporting the idea, it’s surprising that Berlin is still opposed. Managements pointed out that Berlin is often the first to howl longest and loudest about referees and that three out of four should carry the day. A harmonious attitude is needed among the clubs’ managements when everything depends on continuing play, especially in this first NEHL season.
January 25, 1927 – Berlin Gets Away to Long Lead in Game
Berlin went on a tear, scoring three times in a minute and a half in period one to post a 7 – 3 win over the Nationals. The game was fast and clean with no penalties. The Mountaineers will be back in Nashua tomorrow night. The Nationals will visit Waterville to play two in a row there before heading home again to face them again in Nashua on Friday.
February 4, 1927 – Contest is Filled with Thrills
A record crowd was on hand and for very good reason. League-leading Waterville was in town with former Club National star, Aime Jalbert in enemy garb. Nashua fans have likely not seen a harder fought contest, filled start to finish with excitement. Hammond was spectacular in the net, allowing only a single goal in the 3 – 1 National victory. Ted Stackhouse stood out as usual and Fred Paradis scored Nashua’s last goal on a brilliant individual effort. The rest of the team played equally well in what might have been their best game of the season.
February 5, 1927 – Berlin Fails to Come Here for Play-Off Game
Tensions flared again when League President, T. F. Lessard allowed Berlin to travel to Waterville for a postponed game contrary to the demands of Nashua management’s protest. Instead, Nashua could have arranged any number of exhibitions to fill the rink that remained dark, but management said they only want local fans to see the best hockey available.
February 8, 1927 – Hockey Notes: Fans Asked to Pitch In
Hockey fans should pitch in cheerfully and not expect management to dig deep into their own pockets to keep hockey at the rink. Surely with three games this week, we should expect to draw at least 3000 out for the games. No donations will be asked for, but with all three NEHL teams coming to Nashua this week, and only two weeks left in the season, fans will want to be there for all three games.
February 8, 1927 – Saturday Night Game Assured
Berlin Mountaineers will be in town as promised, completing a strenuous week of home games for Nashua. The National’s line-up will remain the same.
February 8, 1927 – Nationals Whirlwind at Finish
Two weeks remain in the NEHL season with the Nationals sitting in third place, three full games behind Berlin. However, a strong finish could possibly put them in second, a fact that should likely bring out the fans with only six games to go. Waterville is virtually assured to end up in first place.
February 9, 1927 – Soft Ice Postpones Hockey Game
Poor ice conditions shut down the game between the Nationals and Cambridge Catholic that was scheduled for Saturday. No games are on tap, but hopefully the city series between Club National and Nashua A.A. will go ahead.
February 16, 1927 – Speeding Nationals at Home Three Games this Week
Currently mired in third place, the Nationals face off against Berlin on Friday. Waterville is slated to play a postponed game on Saturday. Record crowds are expected with ten days left to go.
February 17, 1927 – Weather Man Beats Nationals
Old Man Winter struck again, this time refusing to bring the cold weather necessary for Nashua to play its game against Lewiston. A good-sized crowd had gathered and the teams were in uniform, but officials decided it was too dangerous to play.
February 18, 1927 – Nationals Tie for Third Place in the NEHL
Waterville finished first in the standings of the shortened NEHL season after 30 games. However, due to a dispute involving player eligibility, their team has been suspended. Berlin slipped to fourth place, leaving Lewiston to challenge Nashua in a two game, total goals championship series. The Nationals took both games by scores of 1 – 0 and 2 – 1 to become the first team to capture the NEHL Championship.
February 19, 1927 – Club National’s Fifth Luncheon
The Nationals put Nashua on the hockey map and now it’s time for the team to put lunch on the table. With few exceptions, every player and member of the club will attend. Each member may invite a guest and a capacity crowd is expected. The luncheon will provide a program of entertainment and dancing will be included.
1927 – 1928
December 11, 1927 – Burque Manager National Hockey
A new season is taking shape and Manager Burque is already negotiating with some of the best teams in New England to bring the action to the South Common rink. Some of last year’s players will return and a number of other Canadian stars have been recruited. One big feature of the winter program is the possibility of a series of games between Nashua’s two hockey teams, the Nationals and Nashua A.A.
December 27, 1927 – Teamwork of Visitors Won Contest
Despite the 3 – 1 loss, the Nationals newest line-up was equal to the task against the R. I. Reds. 1000 fans attended this curtain-raiser and watched the smoothest working outfit that has ever skated in Nashua. By no means did Providence’s Can-Am team have an easy time of it. They were under pressure the whole game. However, their superior passing and five weeks of pre-season workouts made the difference. The outstanding individual on the ice, and the one to capture the crowd’s attention, was Art Lesier. The 195 pounder is a demon on skates. Nashua’s lone goal was scored by Shay, a new-comer from the Philadelphia Arrows. Red Marion, on loan from the Reds, also made an appearance and showed a few exhibitions of individual brilliance. Nashua captain, Ted Stackhouse, delayed by business in Chicago, arrived Saturday and played in his first game this season as a National.
The axe is likely to fall later this week as Nashua’s line-up must be trimmed back to 10 men. Teams are allowed 6 forwards, 3 defence and a goalie by the opening game, only a few nights from now. A small ceremony and face-off with city dignitaries will mark the start of Club National’s second season in the NEHL.
The Season Ends Early
The second NEHL season started with Nashua, Berlin, Lewiston and Waterville scheduled to face one another again, but arguments about officiating and player eligibility plagued the better part of the early schedule. The Mountaineers of Berlin left town due to a poor record, low attendance and financial problems. On February 8th the team called it quits. Two days later Lewiston dropped out, cutting the NEHL in half, leaving only Nashua and Waterville.
December 11, 1928 – The End of the National Hockey Era in Nashua
Nashua will have an ice hockey team this season and it will play all home games on the pond at the Nashua Country Club. The hockey committee has purchased the fence boards previously used by Club National. It appears the team will no longer play hockey in Nashua. If so, what’s preventing the city from forming an industrial league? For now, games will be arranged only between Country Clubs and games could start as soon as the weather turns cold enough to play hockey. Matches between Concord, Manchester, Brookline, Brae Burn, Commonwealth and Reading have already been arranged. None of the former Nationals will be in the line-up.
December 16, 1928 – For Sale, Lease or Rent – Good Ice Hockey Arena Located Here
The ad said it all. “An enclosed arena, suitable for hockey, fights or promotion events, seating capacity 1200. Apply National Club, Pine Street. As a final gesture, Club National has determined to dispose of the spacious arena owned by them. The club has lost thousands of dollars during the past five years. Club directors decided to make no attempt to promote the sport of hockey this season. In other Club National news, Art Lesier has been signed by the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and Luger Gagnon has headed back home to Montreal to play in city leagues there.
The Club National hockey era was over. By the time snow fell in Nashua the following December, Club National had put a For Sale add in the Telegraph, hoping for a buyer for the Arena. They sold the fence boards used at their rink to the city of Nashua, packed their duffel bags and went their separate ways.
Cail & Company with The Legends of Hockey
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