This banquet, established by the Scholarship Fund in 1967, honors Amo Bessone, who is one of several athletic Hall of Famers reared in the Exposition Area. Others include football legend Angelo Bertelli and Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist Eugene Grazia.
Bessone devoted his life to the game of hockey and to helping thousands of young people play and enjoy the game on all levels over a half-century. After a hockey career of his own that included international play and after his military service during WWII, he launched a coaching career that included 28 years as head coach at Michigan State University. In 1966, Bessone’s Spartan won the NCAA Division I National Championship and he was awarded the Spencer Penrose Award as College Hockey Coach of the Year.
The annual Bessone Banquet recognizes the most valuable and talented high school hockey players in Western Massachusetts, as well as coaches and contributors to the sport. In 1967, there was a single trophy presented to the top high school player. Today, there are nine major awards presented to players, who all receive a trophy and a $500 scholarship. In additional to the Bessone Award, there are awards for the top forward, defenseman, goalie, sportsmanship, community service, academic accomplishment. Most recently, an award was added for the most valuable girls high school hockey player in the region.