The Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society is doing much more than promoting the game of ice hockey and preserving the former American League Hockey franchise’s memory.

During the weekend of August 5-7, the Reds Heritage Society will provide a boost to the state’s economy during its 11th annual reunion.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel at 2100 Post Road and the historic carousel building in Goddard State Memorial Park will play important roles during what Reds Heritage Society President Buster Clegg called, “a huge and important hockey weekend.”

The Hampton Inn will become the official “weekend home” for all former Rhode Island Reds players. The Reds Heritage Society will rent approximately 120 rooms during the three-day event, which means the non-profit will pay for somewhere around 40 rooms per night for the visiting former pros.

“We like doing business there,” said Clegg, a former standout ice hockey player at the University of New Hampshire who later served as the Reds’ general manager. “We’ve been there before and we plan on being there next year, too.”

Dick Bartlett, a member of the Reds Heritage Society Board of Directors, is coordinating the hotel portion of the Reunion Weekend and is working closely with Hampton Inn General Manager Jay Visnjic to ensure the best hospitality possible for all the guests.

Clegg and Bartlett both told the Johnston Sun Rise that the 11th annual Reunion Weekend will begin – and conclude – at the Hampton Inn.

On Friday, August 5th beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Hampton Inn will host a private “Meet and Greet” reception. That event will include players, hockey dignitaries, society directors and corporate sponsors.

Clegg also announced that Saturday, August 6th will be “Rhode Island Reds Night at the PawSox.”

All visiting former Reds players and hockey dignitaries such as Lou Lamoriello, who is CEO/President and General Manager of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, will be part of what promises to be an exciting pre-game ceremony at McCoy Stadium prior to the PawSox International League game vs. the Buffalo Bisons. Game time is 6:05 p.m.

The actual reunion will begin at 12 p.m. on Sunday, August 7th in the scenic bayside and former carousel building at Goddard Park.

Clegg told the Sun Rise that reunion events will include, “the introduction of players, special awards, a delicious barbecue, raffles, music of the 1940’s and 50’s, laughs and exaggerated hockey stories.”

The reunion weekend will conclude with a private reception at the Hampton Inn.

“Personally, I’m excited about the entire weekend,” Bartlett said. “These (former Reds players) are so down to earth. They are all such wonderful, wonderful people. They were – and still are – the franchise.”