PROVIDENCE — The names of seven local hockey greats who represent the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2020 were unveiled Saturday night, Feb. 22, between periods of the Providence Bruins vs. Springfield Thunderbirds “Hall of Fame Game” at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, included among that group former East Providence standout Tim Army.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of the Hall of Fame’s new “Wall of Fame” inside the center. The kiosk displays videos recounting the careers and achievements of all Hall of Fame inductees to date while showcasing the milestones in the state’s illustrious hockey history and its global contributions to the game.
“Chronicling Rhode Island’s rich hockey history and paying perpetual tribute to our hockey heroes like this year’s class has been our mission from the outset,” said Hall chairman Vincent Cimini. “This state-of-the-art touchscreen kiosk will provide a modern and engaging means to inspire and educate present and future generations.”
Army, who starred at East Providence High School in the late-1970s/early-1980s, went onto an All-American career for the Providence College Friars then played and coached professionally. Army joins three others East Providence hockey legends in the RIHHOF: Ron Wilson, who was enshrined as a charter inductee in 2018, and 2019 honorees Pete Demers and Larry Reid.
After playing for his hometown Townies back when EPHS was a Division I-caliber program, Army was a Hobey Baker Award finalist at PC while leading the Friars to the inaugural Hockey East Conference title in 1985. Army was a draft choice of the Colorado Rockies, long since the New Jersey Devils, but his professional playing career was cut short due to injury.
He immediately turned to coaching, starting at PC then eventually in the American Hockey League, the National Hockey League and with the USA men’s national program. Army, who has been behind the bench for over 1,000 games combined at all levels, spent six seasons as the Friars head coach from 2005-2011. He was also head coach of the AHL Portland Pirates and is currently head coach of the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate in Iowa.
Army, of course, is a member of one of the state’s most heralded hockey families, right along side their fellow Townies the Wilsons. Army’s grandfather, George, was a legendary trainer for the Rhode Island Reds. His father, Tom, was a superb player and captain at PC. His older brother, Bill, also starred at EPHS, then likewise became an All-American and Hall of Famer at Boston College and also played professionally in both the AHL and the former International Hockey League. His eldest brother, Tom, as well was a standout for the Townies and later had a fine career at Wesleyan University, where he remains the Cardinals all-time career assists leader.
The 2020 RIHHOF class also includes David Capuano, Lou Cimini, Jack Ferreira, Jim Fullerton, Paul Guay and Garth Snow. The induction ceremony is scheduled for August 28 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln. Tickets are available at rihhof.com.