Last night the Turf Inn in Albany hosted the tenth anniversary celebration of RPI's 1985 NCAA Championship team. The night featured a pretty good turn-out, for a Sunday in July, but more importantly, included most of the players of that fabled team. Yes, Adam Oates, casually attired, and Darren Puppa, literally larger than life, turned out. And almost everyone else, with the notable exceptions of Tim Friday and George Servinis. Even Maurisio Mansi, who once again became Mo Mansi, escaped the Italian National Team to rejoin his t teammates, who really looked pretty much the same--the exception being Mike Sadeghpour who's pate had noticeably thinned. But the true star of the night was former coach Mike Addessa. Greeted by three standiung ovations, Addessa held the audience's interest as he rambled through a 90 minute talk about himself, and his year of glory. I though Addessa looked somewhat subdued, even ackward, as he began his speech. Talking withough script he through out a few tidbits: Puppa, who hails from some town in Northern Ontario "close to the North Pole" enrolled at Denver University, who was coacheby his unched by his uncle at the time; Oates almost didn't matriculate having to take a sizable academic load in the summer immediately prior to his freshman year. Addessa also dispelled the notion that John Carter had ever used four letter words during the games alleging that all his players were instructed to only use the King's English in game situations. Addessa, quite rightly, assigned all his success to the quality of his players. Few will argue that the 1985 team members exhibited a degree of talent that dan scarcely be rivalled in college hockey, and Addessa passed out the praise freely. He commented that Trini Itturalde, the leading scorer in his Massachusetts league, was told the night of his high school championship that he would assume the checking role on the team, to which Itturalde responded, "Whatever you want coach." Addessa had nice words about nearly everyone on the team, rambling from one observation to another. But his air seemed subdued, perhaps emotional. I am sure he was nervous about returning to the den of the lions, and he seemed profuse in his praise for the people in the program, like Bob Duccatte, and even then president George Low. He said he never got a chance to thank everyone when he left before (although he hung around the area for at least a year before moving out to Western Canada) and make a point of citing everyone he thought he owed something to. He expressed his love for the university, and re-pledged his allegiance to the school. He added that he continued to maintain contact with the program, having been involved in the recruitment of Eric Healy last year, and Mark Murphy, of the incoming freshman class. He addressed the Board of Directors, almost pleading with them, to serve RPI in any manner they deemed appropriate. It seemed like the new Mike Addessa was a more humble version, not the old stiff take-charge tyrant that ruled his team with an iron fist. Of course he couldn't resist name-dropping--Lou Nanne and Serge Savard bugging hime in Detroit after the Providence victory, but perhaps Addessa has accepted his lot in life--a coach not of the Rangers, or a top college team, but of a t talented group of kids look for their own shot in hockey. The night was emceed by local on-air personality Ed Dague, himself an RPI grad, who offered his own personal reminiscenses of that special season. Mike Sadeghpour also took the dais, reflecting about life at practice. Telling about how the team would square off with the Canadians against the Americans, he noted that if your were paired against Tim Friday, you knew you would be plastered against the boards in a few seconds, if you had to play George Se Servinis, it was a struggle just to keep up with him, and then, if you ever had a shot, you were reduced to pleading with "Pupes" to let one through. It was quite a special night. But it really seemed like this was to be the homecoming for Mike Addessa. He apparently has remained close to all the pl players on the '85 team, especially Adam Oates, who was the beneficiary of several asides. He also graciously mentioned current coach Dan Fridgen, who, it was revealed, was voted the biggest PITA to play against by the RPI players baack in 1985. If the university doesn't accept him back with open arms, well, maybe a spirit of detente will emerge. The mood of the night was celebration, and all who were there will agree Addessa certainly played a key part in it. One more note: it was indicatd that assistant coach Steve Duncan will not be returning. He apparently is now entertaining job offers. ******************************************************************************** Brian Morris RPI Engineers--1995 EACA Chamnpions [log in to unmask] make that ECAC Champions