Our Story 

The Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society

The R. I. Reds Heritage Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation whose primary mission is to restore and preserve the fabled 51-year history of the Reds from 1926-27 through 1976-77.

The organization is dedicated to accomplish this priceless goal by:

• Acquiring and organizing a large and loyal membership to share, foster and promote the teams glorious history
• Collecting Reds memorabilia and artifacts that represent the teams rich heritage
• Exhibiting this valuable collection eventually in permanent exhibit at the soon-to-be Heritage Harbor Museum, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate, in Providence
• Honoring past Reds players, administrators others once associated with the team
• Assisting the youth within our community in their involvement in the game of ice hockey

The Society has an enrollment of more than 650 members a staggering number inasmuch as the team has been defunct almost 30 years. Membership costs only $20 per hockey season for which members receive three full-color newsletters and invitations to special events. 

Events

The Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society hosts two major events each year: Lunch & Crunch and the Annual Reunion Picnic.

Lunch & Crunch, held each March, features a luncheon and talk by a special guest, followed by a Providence Bruins games at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Past guest speakers have included former Reds goaltender Ross Brooks and AHL President Dave Andrews.

The Annual Reunion, held in August, is the Society's cornerstone event. The afternoon features a buffet barbecue, raffle and door prizes, and presentation of the Tops Award. The reunion is attended by hundreds of guests, including former Reds players. Past attendees have included Milt Schmidt, Ferny Flaman, Chuck Scherza, Bob Robertson, Ray Ross, Gil Mayer, Eddie MacQueen, Ray Cyr, Jim Wiste, Bo Elik, Ross Brooks, Serge Boudreault, Wayne Muloin, Stan Baluik, Bobby Leduc, Ray Clearwater, and Don and Tom Mellor, to name a few.

In support of the Reunion, the society in 2006 initiated its Host a Hockey Hero program. Host a Hockey Hero offsets hotel expenses for out-of-town hockey players, most of whom must travel long distances to attend the reunion. In the past, players have absorbed all expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals. Host a Hockey Hero provides these legends with the special treatment they deserve.