Bowdoin Celebrates 1975 and 1976 Men’s Hockey ECAC Champions
By Bowdoin NewsThe festivities included a pregame recognition with a ceremonial puck drop and a postgame gathering. It was a weekend to remember, made even better by a Bowdoin win over Williams.
Jeff McCallum ’75 and Sean Hanley ’76, P’14, P’15 spearheaded the milestone celebration. Hanley and his wife, Wendy, kicked things off with a gathering in their home on Friday, November 14.
The next afternoon in Sidney J. Watson Arena before the game began, Dale Arnold ’79, an Emmy award-winning sports announcer and former voice of the Polar Bears for WBOR, delivered a special recognition for the returning champions.
“Tonight, we are proud to recognize two of the most celebrated teams in Bowdoin hockey history—the 1975 and 1976 teams—who captured back-to-back ECAC Championships and cemented their place among the Polar Bears’ all-time greats,” Arnold said.
“During the golden era of collegiate hockey, these teams were guided by legendary head coach Sid Watson, this building’s namesake, and whose family we’re thrilled to have join us today.
“These teams combined skill, determination, and unity to bring unprecedented success to the program. Their championship runs remain defining moments in Bowdoin athletics—a reflection of the talent, teamwork, and competitive spirit that have long been hallmarks of Polar Bear hockey. Nearly fifty years later, the members of the 1975 and 1976 teams continue to embody the best of Bowdoin—showing unwavering support for the College, its hockey program, and one another. Their legacy lives on in the pride and tradition that fill Watson Arena every time the Polar Bears take the ice,” said Arnold to cheers and applause from the crowd.
MVPs from the 1975 and 1976 ECAC championships games, John Vigneron Jr. ’75 and Rob Menzies ’79 came to center ice for a ceremonial puck drop. To add to the celebratory nature of the day, Bowdoin skated to a decisive 7–2 win over Williams.
A reception and dinner immediately followed at Cram Alumni House, where alumni came together to celebrate the milestone, share stories, and remember departed teammates.