In the late 1980s, long after the Reds 51-yr reign as the centerpiece of RI sports had ended, Chuck Wilson was the voice of local and regional sports on local radio.
Tom McDonough, the former stick boy for the hometown team and one of the original founders of the Reds Heritage Society, would occasionally fill in for Chuck. Thankfully, Tom maintained connections to the Reds players and officials and while filling in he would treat listeners to live on-air interviews with them and reminisce about the golden ago of pro hockey in Rhode Island.
Fortunately, Tom saved those tapes and the Heritage Society has digitized them for playback here on our website.
Part 1: Zellio Toppazzini
Tom McDonough interviews George Patrick Duffy and Buster Clegg about traveling for the Reds, whether hockey will return to the Auditorium, and the greatest Reds players and lines. Zellio Toppazzini calls in.
Part 2: Paul McNeil
Tom, George and Buster Clegg talk with Paul McNeil, who sold programs at the Auditorium and became a fixture at Reds games. Listener Ronnie from Cranston calls in with a question for George.
Part 3: Tom Army
Tom, George and Buster talk with Tom Army, son of Reds Trainer George Army. Listener Tony in Cranston calls in with a question about Zellio Toppazzini.
Part 4: Ross Brooks
Tom, George and Buster talk with Ross Brooks, former goalie for the Reds and the Boston Bruins. Listener Bob in Warwick calls in with a question for George.
Part 5: Ray Powell
Tom, George and Buster talk with Ray Powell, one of the best center ice men to ever play for the Reds. Listener Dick in Bristol calls in to share his ememories of the Reds.
Part 6: Eddie Giacomin
Tom, George and Buster talk with Eddie Giacomin, legendary goaltender for the Reds, New York Rangers and Detriot Red Wings. Listener John in Warwick calls in.
Part 7: Chuck Scherza
Tom, George and Buster talk with Chuck Scherza, one of the most popular players to wear the red, white, abd black. Listener Bob in Fall River calls in to share his ememories of the famous "snowstorm game."
Part 8: Paul Larivee
Tom, George and Buster talk with Paul Larivee, another of the Reds' great center ice men.
Part 9: Terry Reardon
Tom, George and Buster talk with the legendary Terry Reardon, former player, coach and general manager of the Rhode Island Reds. Listener Bill in East Providence calls in to reminisce with George.
Part 10: George Patrick Duffy Game Audio
A snippet of George Patrick Duffy's play-by-play of a Reds game.
Part 11: Gil Mayer
Tom, George and Buster talk with Gil Mayer, a legend in both the American and National hockey leagues.
Part 12: Harvey Bennett
Tom, George and Buster talk with Harvey Bennett, a stalwart in the Reds goal who became the patrirach of one of Rhode Island's great hockey families.
R. I. Reds Heritage Society
PO Box 504 Lincoln, RI 02895
Telephone: 401-230-5905
email: RIREDS15@gmail.com