Massachusetts Hockey Faces a Tragic Loss

from masshockey.com

Mike Cheevers with Mass Hockey President, Dan Esdale

Swamscott Ma.-- Press Release. Massachusetts Hockey has lost some great people in the past several years but this is one of the most difficult and saddest.

Mike Cheever was a leader by example and we have all learned from him. He worked for the kids, the program and was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

This light has gone out far too soon and it will be felt from Massachusetts to California. I am angry that we as a people have not found a cure for this unforgiving disease (cancer). It is claiming the potential greatness of our country by taking so many with so much to offer.

Mike will always be an inspiration to many. He was the middle class, role up your sleeves, get the job done volunteer that we all inspire to be.

I am so proud and thankful to USA Hockey for recognizing his contributions (Wm Thayer Tutt Award) while he was alive and able to understand how the hockey nation felt about his dedication, hard work and how much he was truly loved.

Mike Cheevers at the USA Hockey Annual Congress in Colorado in 2003

Mike's Family: his wife, Mickey, daughters; Eleanor, Erin, Rose and Joanne. They are also grandparents of seven; Joe, Keila, Kaylie, Kyle, Jaylin, Jordan and Anthony. To our hockey family, I received a call from Mickey this morning... August 28th 2006 Last night Mike Cheever with his entire family by his side, while wearing his hockey hat and clasping to a puck drew his final breath Dan Esdale, President Massachusetts Hockey