A BMRH FAREWELL

Last night, we at BMRH said farewell to long-time Board Member, John Desarno. John and his family will be heading down south to relocate as their son, long-time BMRH player, Luke, will attend college in state of Florida. 

President, Dave Manara, spoke right before Game 1 of the Junior Division Championship to honor John for all he has done for Bellmore-Merrick Roller Hockey.

Many years ago, John and his wife Denise signed up Luke to play at BMRH. "We didn't know what to expect. Luke was coming over from baseball and wanted to give roller hockey a shot. I remember him being 8 years old and wearing a Jofa helmet" John said. Like most of us, the Desarno family fell in love with our hockey community and shortly after, John decided to volunteer and become a part of the Board of Directors. 

John dedicated close to 10 years as a Board Member and spent the last several years as the league Treasurer. John coached a few seasons and as Dave mentioned in his speech last night, "John was always around to lend a hand, no matter what was needed". Dave joked saying "When I first met John, I was a referee and I believe he was yelling at me for making a bad call so it's funny how years later, I get to stand here and honor someone I call a friend with a proper farewell". 

Afterwards John said "BMRH will always have a special place in my heart. We all got to watch Luke grow up down here and we are really going to miss this place".

Ceremonial Puck Drop

John drops the puck with the Kraken's Brian Justiniano and the Coyotes Nico Buglione)

Spring 2021: John receiving a BMRH Life-Time Achievement Plaque

THANK YOU, JOHN