Larry DesPres

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Larry DesPres

1980’s “No Equipment Line” to reunite

Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, a little known hockey power house was in place at Niagara Catholic. The class of 1981 had managed to win Fr. Lehner’s intramural hockey regular season crown as Sophomores, Junior and Seniors. Two of the “street hockey” players thought it would be wise to try their game on the ice, with the big boys.

Times were tough in the 80’s and getting hockey equipment was not going to fit the current sports budget for Larry DesPres and James Spanbauer. Having played many sports over the years and being committed to swimming and basketball during the winter sports season, we thought we could just “practice” with the NCHS hockey team. This would be done as our scheduled permitted and if they would let us.

I am happy to tell you that the team did allow us to practice periodically with them at the world famous Hyde Park ice rink. If I remember correctly, we had skates and a stick. I think James and I used leather work gloves and no helmets. As you might expect, neither one of us played much defense. I guess it is worth noting that neither one of us were very good skaters or puck handlers either. We did not have much success in bringing the old street hockey game to the ice.

Fast forward to nearly 30 years later and we can look back at life long friendships and many laughs. Shockingly, neither James or Larry ever signed a contact to play in the NHL. However, we both have fond memories of our short lived careers as the only two members of the NCHS “No Equipment Line”.

About the author:

Larry DesPres married Jackie Reynolds (1980) in 1986. They have 2 children, Ashley (22) who is a teacher and Adam (19) who is a sophomore at NGCSU pursuing a degree in Education. Neither children currently play hockey. Larry and Jackie live in Dahlonega, GA and do not miss the weather in Western NY. Larry plans to attend the Dick Nolan Classic in 2009 and looks forward to working with James again. Perhaps we can bring back some the magic from the 80’s. Larry does plan to bring skates, helmet, hockey gloves and a stick. He will be looking to borrow the other equipment. I guess not much has really changed since 1980.

Larry DesPres & Family