Hockey Fan 51 0 Report post Posted May 25, 2009 Most of you (if not all) reading this will never have met coach Hughes but the person most responsible for me loving hockey as much as I do passed away this past thursday. Coach (Morton) Wade Hughes was a coach in Essex Jct. Vermont for over 25 years dating back to 1973. He was the type of guy who would step in and coach any team that needed a coach and often wound up with at least 2 teams and sometimes more each year. No matter how bad the team was he always found a way to make it a fun sport and to encourage everyone.I was lucky enough to have him as a coach 5 or 6 times when I was growing up. He didn't turn me into a superstar hockey player (no coach could have done that) but he made me love the game and made me into a better person.The man devoted his life to hockey and to all of the kids who came by the rink to skate. His legacy of service to the state of Vermont, the town of Essex Junction and to anyone blessed enough to know him was unmatched.He will be greatly missed.Rest in peace coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tailboard Jockey 25 Report post Posted May 25, 2009 I'm sorry for your loss.Blue skies, Coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeyman11385 1 Report post Posted May 26, 2009 Damn, that's too bad. As a native Vermonter it is wonderful to know that there was somebody around here that was able to give so much to the game and obviously effected many young hockey players in a very positive manner.It sounds like this is a great loss for the sport and especially Vermont hockey. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bender 0 Report post Posted May 26, 2009 No matter how bad the team was he always found a way to make it a fun sport and to encourage everyone.Best thing any coach can do for youngsters (or at any age for that matter) getting into the game Share this post Link to post Share on other sites