Falcons To Honor Mr. Alfred "Fred" Zanetti
Published on March 20, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, MA - The Springfield Falcons, proud members of the American Hockey League, announced today they will host their 1st Annual "Referee Appreciation Night" on Friday, March 31st when the Falcons host the Hartford Wolf Pack at the newly renovated MassMutual Center. On this special evening, the very first recipient of the "Golden Stripes Award" will be honored prior to the game. The "Golden Stripes Award" will be presented this year to Mr. Alfred "Fred" Zanetti.
Zanetti, a 1952 graduate of American International College, was a referee within the Western MA Ice Hockey Officials Organization from 1950-1982, including the organization's commissioner from 1955-1988. Zanetti started his officiating career while attending American International College in 1951 and continued as a referee until the age of 60. Throughout his officiating career, Zanetti demonstrated a strong passion for all levels of hockey including: youth, high school and college levels.
"It's with tremendous honor that we present the very first recipient of this special award to a gentleman se well deserving," said Falcons Vice President of Business Operations Bob Oliver. "When the award committee sat down to discuss possible recipients, one name jumped out at them and it was Mr. Zanetti. His devotion to the duties of officiating, the sport of hockey and our community is something that we all strongly admire."
A lifetime resident of Springfield, Zanetti has been an active contributor to our community his entire life and served 40 years within the Springfield school system. Beginning in 1954, Zanetti was named the Howard Street School principal, a position he held for more than 35 years. On June 15, 1990, Howard Street School was renamed the Alfred G. Zanetti School in honor of Zanetti's contributions within the Springfield school system.
"The community has always been extremely important to me and my family," said Zanetti, who is a 1941 graduate of Classical High School in Springfield. "I was very surprised when I received the call regarding this special award. Growing up in the South End of Springfield, our outlet as kids was playing sports. I love sports and enjoyed playing football, hockey and baseball. I have always had a strong passion for sports, and it's a great way to stay active. To be remembered by fellow officials and to have the honor of receiving this award, it's a very special feeling for me and my family."
The "Golden Stripes Award" will be awarded annually to an On-Ice Official whose work within Western Massachusetts has selflessly demonstrated the essential characteristics of dedication, fairplay, positive attitude and communication skills. This individual has also shown an overwhelming desire to "give back" to the officiating community by volunteering their time off the ice as well, all the while leaving a positive lasting impression on his peers.
Mr. Zanetti's Community Service and Awards For Outstanding Service
- President - South End Community Center, 1969-1971 (34-year Board Member)
- President - Greater Springfield Community Centers, 1966-1968
- President - South End Community Center Alumni Association, 1968-1975
- President - South End Little League Baseball, 1968-1975
- Member - Mayor O'Connor's Youth Commission
- Member - Mayor O'Connor's Hockey Commission
- UNICO Club National Award, 1956
- Springfield Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Service Award, 1962, 1963, 1964
- South End Boys and Girls Club "Man-Boy" Award for Outstanding Devotion to Youth, 1963
- Beth EL Brotherhood Award - Outstanding Man of the Year, 1965
- Pynchon Award, Springfield's Most Prestigious Award, 1965
- National Alumni Association Board of Directors, 1980-1983
- American International College Alumni Award, 1984
- South End Community Center Citation as "Outstanding Board Member," 1986 and 1987
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