Officials pay tribute to longtime volunteer

Old Bridge ice hockey coordinator John Piccolo was considered so instrumental to the local sports program that he was affectionately called "Father Hockey" around the rink.

"He was a fixture at Old Bridge Arena," Mayor Jim Phillips said. "Those that went to the rink came to know and recognize him. He'd always be out there smoking a good cigar."

So it's only fitting that the Township Council approved the dedication of Old Bridge Arena to Piccolo on July 20, following a recommendation from the Recreation Advisory Board.

"He was a great person who donated a lot of his life to the township," said Councilman G. Kevin Calogera. "He was essential in rebuilding the ice hockey program when it wasn't doing well a few years back — how could we not do something to thank him?"

Piccolo, who died in May at 69 years old, was one of the original founders of Old Bridge Youth Ice Hockey in the mid-1970s. He organized the Old Bridge Wings, an independent junior hockey team in 1980, and was heavily involved in the program until he retired a few years later.

The Wings rented ice time at the arena, so when they left town to play at the ProSkate Rink in South Brunswick in August 2000, the recreation center faced a substantial loss of revenue.

In response, Tom Badcock, the township's director of parks, recreation and social services, sought to create a new program under the recreation department that would act as a feeder program for the high school hockey team. Piccolo had been running a successful instructional summer roller hockey program at the rink for the past year and emerged out of partial retirement to organize the teams.

With the help of several volunteer coaches and Robert Sullo, who now serves as commissioner for the New Jersey Youth Hockey League (NJYHL), Piccolo created an extensive hockey organization that has grown rapidly throughout the past 10 years.

"He's transformed this program into a great family for players," Badcock said. "Because of his hard work, they've gained success and notoriety."

Under Piccolo's direction, the Old Bridge Junior Knights have been named one of the top three youth ice hockey programs in the Northeast. The 11 teams housed at the arena have been sent to several Can/Am Tournaments all over the Northeast, including Lake Placid and parts of Canada.

"The kids have learned tremendous sportsmanship from John," Badcock said. "The character they've developed on the ice translates to their life off the ice. Every town should be so lucky to have someone like him."

In addition to his work with the Old Bridge Junior Knights, Piccolo ran a therapeutic recreation program for mentally disabled children. Every year, he accompanied them to compete in the New Jersey Special Olympics for speed skating in Morristown.

"He was what I like to call one of the pure volunteers in our sport. He donated his time, worked very diligently and never asked anything in return," NJYHL President Frank McGady wrote in a letter to Piccolo's daughter, Lisa. "John truly did it 'for the kids.' "

Parents, players and coaches were the driving forces behind the arena's dedication to Piccolo, which will be made official during a mid-afternoon ceremony at Old Bridge Day on Oct. 3. At the event, Badcock and other township officials will unveil a plaque with a bronze casting of Piccolo's likeness and a written dedication.

To further honor Piccolo, all hockey players in the program will be wearing a patch with his initials and crossed hockey sticks. The same symbol will serve as a 10- foot circular decal in the center of the ice. Piccolo's portrait will also be painted and hung above the rink fireplace.

Phillips said he would like to have a statue of Piccolo constructed and placed outside the arena, though he said the chances of that happening are unlikely.

"But I believe this is the most appropriate remembrance we could give people," Phillips said. "This is a chance for them to pay their respects to a good man and his many accomplishments."

However, there are residents who believe that more could be done in Piccolo's memory.

John Haslach, a parent of an Old Bridge Junior Knight, said he was disappointed that the Old Bridge Arena would not be renamed for Piccolo, and that he deserves more acknowledgement for his positive influence on the township.

"This is a shameful way to thank a man who has done so much for the township of Old Bridge and the families and children of the town," Haslach said.

Resident James Toto agreed.

"I have known John for five years now, and if any name should be on the front of that building, it's his. It is a disgrace that they will not change the name outside," Toto said. "If it were not for him, Old Bridge wouldn't have a youth hockey program. He dedicated his life to the kids of Old Bridge, our kids. He dedicated his life to that rink. His name deserves to be on the face of that building."

Badcock said the decision to change or not change the name of the arena to "John Piccolo Arena" was the governing body's to make. However, he added that the extent officials are going to on the inside of the arena to honor Piccolo was a fitting tribute.

Haslach and Toto are currently circulating a petition in hopes that township officials consider extending the dedication further.