See It Again Saturday: On This Date In Enfield History...

ENFIELD, CT — It's hard to imagine five years, to the day, have passed since an emotional, fun-filled and nostalgic celebration of the vaunted 43-year history of the Enrico Fermi High School ice hockey program. On Feb. 20, 2016, the final Saturday home game for the 4-school co-op involving Fermi, Enfield, East Granby and Stafford was played at the Enfield Twin Rinks, with the program's seniors being honored prior to game time.

Plans to close Fermi following the 2015-16 academic year had already been implemented, with renovation of the Enfield High School campus well underway to accommodate consolidation of the two schools in fall 2016. With the name Fermi being retired, it was an opportunity to gather hockey alumni from all generations for one final fling on the ice wearing Falcon jerseys.

The hope of the organizer (for full disclosure, that was me) was to generate enough response to put together a pickup game. About 20 players would do it, with hopefully a couple of goaltenders included to make a game seem legitimate.

Holy mackerel! Response was overwhelming, with 49 ex-Falcons signing up to play. Several others said they would attend but not lace up the skates, some past team managers participated, and four former coaches gladly returned back behind the benches. A round-robin event with three squads was set up to give everyone plenty of ice time.

Ed Mantenuto, the first coach hired to build the program in 1973, came from his home in Holliston, Mass. to take part. The fiery leader has been slowed by a stroke more than 20 years ago, but he was absolutely beaming at the love and respect shown to him by dozens of former players.

Following an informal pregame locker room presentation of a trash can to Mantenuto (and yes, just like in the old days, it would up being hurled against the wall, but the video is not for family consumption), it was time to take the ice. Players ranging from ages 20 to 60 were introduced in reverse chronological order, with the final five all members of the original team from 1973-74: Jack Bailey, Gary Cummings, Dave Jensen, Tom Ledger and Bill Rooney.

Past assistant coaches Steve Beaudoin, Rich Zaczynski and Ron Greene were introduced, setting the stage for the introduction of Mantenuto. Current head coach Frank Genovese presented Mantenuto a plaque proclaiming him "the founding father of Fermi hockey." Following the event, about 30 people gathered at a local restaurant, where an overwhelmed, gracious Mantenuto was presented a Fermi jersey bearing the number 1 on the back.

A moment of silence was observed as I read the names of former Falcon players who have passed away. The pregame festivities concluded with an emotional ceremonial faceoff, involving Bailey, representing the original team, and Ernie Bouthiette III, a 2014 graduate who was the last player from Fermi to wear the captain's "C" on his jersey.

Bouthiette's father, also named Ernie, dropped the puck. A former Fermi goaltender from the class of 1980, he went on to serve the Enfield community as a firefighter for more than three decades, including 29 as a full-time member of the Thompsonville Fire Department. Just three months prior to the reunion, the elder Bouthiette suffered total cardiac arrest inside his home, and was brought back to life by many of his longtime colleagues.

After a group photo involving all of the participants, the games began. Yes, there were winners in each of the three contests, but the scores were insignificant: the real winners were everyone involved in celebrating the memories and legacy of Fermi Falcon hockey.

Several participants shared their memories of the gathering with Patch Saturday morning:

• "It was great just seeing all those guys. Everything was great, even the barrel in the locker room. Great memories." - Ed Mantenuto
• "It was a great time being there and seeing old friends and teammates I haven't seen in years. Also it was an honor to be able to drop the ceremonial puck for the start of the game, and to have my son take the faceoff being the last Fermi player to wear the captain's "C." It was truly a night to remember." - Ernie Bouthiette II
• "It was a special afternoon at the rinks, playing with former teammates, players who I grew up watching as a youth and those that followed. Still have memories of Coach Mantenuto and the Jensen brothers warming up to China Grove. It was a great day." - Tim White
• "I can't believe it was five years ago, last time I played too. It was a great day to see everyone involved with Fermi hockey and to play against many new and old friends. It brought back so many memories, and I had my sidekick twin carry my stick like old times. It's like riding a bike, lace up the skates and just go. Loved it. I want to thank you and all who put this together." - Sue (Guay) McGovern
• "An amazing night that I will never forget. To wear the Fermi sweater one last time on our home ice was incredible. The best part was definitely seeing everyone again." - Chris Gatto
• "That day was pretty special to be a part of for me, especially getting to meet the first coach of Fermi hockey and listening to the former players telling those stories about him and how the game has changed physically and mentally is pretty special. Not to mention the opportunity that Frank gave me was just very special being able to see the difference in size and strength of the players then and now." - Steve Beaudoin
• "It was a memorable night for sure! Skating with teammates and catching up with coaches and friends I hadn’t seen since graduating in ‘93 was extra special. With the rich history of hockey in Enfield, it was always an honor to put on the sweater for your high school whether you played for Enfield or Fermi. That night was no different! Special thank you to Tim Jensen for putting the whole thing together!" - Joe Bonfiglio
• "This was a fantastic generational combination to celebrate our high school times. Many guys got to share their childhood experiences with their children, which made it all the better. Falcons forever!" - Chris Leblanc

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