The Ultimate Honor: East Boston Coach Bob Anthony is Inducted in to State Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame

Bob Anthony has been a coach in the East Boston High School hockey program for 17 years, 13 as head coach.

And as State Hockey Coaches Association executive secretary Charlie Driscoll told the gathering at the Hall of Fame Dinner, Bob Anthony has done it “with class.”

Driscoll praised Anthony for his community service and how his teams have always played the game with sportsmanship. Three times Anthony’s East Boston Jets have been the recipients of the MIAA’s Mulloy Sportsmanship Award.

“He and his lovely wife, Jacki, started a tournament that’s played every year over at Porrazzo Rink in East Boston called the Deep Freeze Christmas Tournament and they’ve raised over $40,000 for breast cancer research, which is absolutely incredible,” said Driscoll.

Driscoll also paid tribute to Anthony and his fellow officers in the Boston Police Department for their efforts in the aftermath of the Marathon bombings on April 15. “Thank you for your brotherhood of men in blue for what you did after April 15,” said Driscoll.

Anthony was enveloped in warm applause as he made his way to the podium to accept the state coaches association’s highest honor.

Anthony acknowledged the appreciation from the guests for the Boston Police Department’s heroic actions.

“I can’t tell you as a member of the Boston Police how proud I was that my fellow officers that day ran toward the danger, were able to assist the victims, and bring the suspect to justice – they all worked as a team which is what we do here.”

Anthony said he was humbled by this “great honor and to be listed alongside the coaching greats, legends, leaders and visionaries” of high school hockey.

“It goes without saying that being inducted in to the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor that a hockey coach can receive,” said Anthony. “It should also go without saying that one does not stand in front of you without the guidance, direction, and support of others.”

The legendary Jets’ mentor thanked his wife, Jacki. “She is my biggest fan and supporter and has put up with me for all these years,” said Anthony.

He thanked East Boston High Principal Mike Rubin for giving him the opportunity to coach high school hockey and his assistant coaches Dennis Bernabei, Jeff Arinella, Chip Dinicolantonio, Kenny Guitar, and Dave Arinella for their support.

He also noted the support of the East Boston Athletic Board and credited “all my players who I have coached over the years and who have made me a better coach. Thank you for sharing this honor with me tonight.”

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