The Boston Bruins Alumni faced off against members from Pembroke Youth Hockey to support the Joseph Birolini and William Hickey Scholarship Fund.
WATD’s Lenny Rowe files this report.
Joey Birolini and Billy Hickey were captains for Pembroke Hockey, and both wanted to make a difference in the community. Both were 23 when they died in a single-vehicle crash in 2021.
On Saturday, more than a thousand people packed the Bog in Kingston for a game against the Bruins Alumni, to benefit a scholarship in their memory.
Joey’s younger brother, Anthony, scored two goals against the Bruins, and even had a stick-ride goal celebration in front the crowd.
“Ever since the accident, the support has been unreal. From the town of Pembroke, families, friends,” said Anthony Birolini. “It’s just good to see.”
Bruins legend Rick Middleton, the President of the Alumni, says it was amazing seeing the support.
“It’s a win-win as far as that’s concerned. It’s nice that they honored these two young people that were tragically killed,” said Middleton. “We’re just glad that they wanted to do an alumni game to get us involved in such a worthy cause like this.”
Jeremiah Tabor, the President of Pembroke Youth Hockey, says they’ve been able to expand their scholarship programs.
“A year ago, we renamed the fund in their honor,” said Tabor. “We provide $2,500 dollar awards to three high school students graduating this year. Then we’ll also be able to help families in need to play youth hockey.”
They were part of the Peewee A team that went 50-0 and won a State Championship in 2011. For the Birolini and Hickey families, hockey has meant everything.
“Most of my friends are through hockey,” said Joey and Anthony’s mother, Karen Birolini. “Still to this day, the friends when they were with mighty-mites, we’re still friends now.”
They’re hoping to help the next generation in town.
“My time with Pembroke Hockey has meant a lot to me. Always trying to out-work my brother’s accomplishments with his team – that team was unbelievable,” said Anthony Birolini. “The support, the family of Pembroke Hockey is awesome.”
More information can be found at pembroketitansyouth.org.
