Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame to Induct Bruce Landon
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Falcons Director of Hockey Operations Bruce Landon will be recognized for his accomplishments and contributions to hockey in Massachusetts with an induction into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame today.
Landon has a strong history with hockey in the Springfield area. He first came to Springfield in 1969, where he made his American Hockey League debut as a goaltender with the Springfield Kings. The Kingston, Ontario native spent the 1969-70, 1970-71, and 1971-72 seasons with the Kings. He appeared in 15 regular-season games when the team won the Calder Cup in 1971. From 1972 to 1977, Landon split time with the New England Whalers of the WHA, the Cape Codders of the NAHL, and the Jacksonville Barons and Rhode Island Reds, both of the AHL. He returned to Springfield for his final professional season with the Indians in 1977.
Following his retirement, Landon remained involved in local hockey. He held various positions within the Indians front office and was part of the organization during its 1990 and 1991 Calder Cup victories. In 1994, Landon helped found the Springfield Falcons franchise, which is entering its 21st season.
The 20th annual induction ceremony and dinner will be held at the Montvale Plaza in Stoneham at 6 p.m. Along with Landon, Jack Kelley, Edward “Ted” Cunniff, George Owen, Ed Barry, and Bernie Burke will be part of the 2014 class. Veteran sports broadcaster and 2008 Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Dave Shea will serve as the master of ceremonies.
Inductees to the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame are chosen on the basis of accomplishments in the game of hockey, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to teams or organizations in college, amateur, or professional hockey, or on international teams representing the U.S. Each nominee must have distinguished himself or herself by exceptional performance and outstanding character reflecting favorably upon the game of hockey in Massachusetts, and be in good public standing in the community, an appropriate role model for young hockey players, and an exemplary representative of the game of hockey.
