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Tighe to be inducted into Wis Hockey Hall of Fame

By Michael Trzinski & Submitted, 07/23/14, 8:00PM CDT

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Fondy area native and three Kuklinskis to be feted in September

Jerry Tighe, Tom Kuklinski, Jeff Kuklinski, and Gary Kuklinski will be enshrined in the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame on September 6, 2014.

JERRY TIGHE

Jerry Tighe was born on December 9, 1933 in Leroy, Wisconsin, where he spent his youth, and then graduated from Mayville High School in 1952. Although Jerry never played hockey himself--the ice rink, the love of the game, and all that comes with it-- was his passion. This devotion led him to the Fond du Lac Blue Line Hockey Association(BLHA), where he was a leader, long-time member and diligent volunteer.

He was instrumental in procuring a year round sheet of ice at the Fond du Lac rink in 1971. He served the Fond du Lac BLHA on the board of directors, including the role of board secretary and president. He began his coaching with the BLHA youth program in 1972. Youth coaching titles included state champions for Squirt AA in 1975; state champions for Peewee AA in 1978; state champions for Bantams in 1979 and Mid-America, Park Ridge IL tournament champions in 1980.

Jerry’s legendary role as a youth hockey supporter spurred him to help in spearheading the addition of varsity hockey to the St. Mary’s Springs High School athletic program.

In 1980, the Ledger Hockey team had its inaugural season of 30 games with Jerry as the head coach. He led the team for six seasons and was a vital advocate to establish the first private high school state tournament in 1981.

Jerry’s impressive cumulative record as head coach of Ledger Hockey is 145-39-9. During his tenure, he led the team to four private high school state championships and two Mid-West Tournament titles. Seventeen or more players that Jerry coached at the Springs went on to play college hockey in the late 80s and early 90’s at the Wisconsin programs of Madison, Stevens Point, Eau Claire and St. Norbert’s; along with the out-of-state programs of RPI, Kent State, Notre Dame, Miami of Ohio, Northern Michigan and Air Force.

Although Jerry retired after six years as Ledger head hockey coach; his passion for the game has never left the rink. He has enthusiastically made himself available over the years for the Ledgers and the BLHA.

Jerry was called back to coaching in 1988 when Bob Ritzer reached out for his help to coach the Ledger JV program. He is an avid supporter of Ledger Hockey to this day and he, along with his wife Betty, is regularly found at the rink supporting local hockey programs.

In addition to his exceptional service to St. Mary’s Springs hockey and BLHA, Jerry was recognized by the Fond du Lac Chamber of Commerce for his service to the community. In 1981, Jerry was the recipient of the St. Mary’s Springs Booster of the Year Award. The state hockey community recognized his dedication in 1985 with the State Hockey Coach of the Year award.

Before Jerry’s heart and time were pledged to his love of hockey, he dedicated many years to Fond du Lac youth baseball, and was inducted into the Fond du Lac Youth Baseball Hall of Fame for his meritorious service. He was also inducted into the Rock River Baseball Hall of Fame for his years dedicated to playing and managing in that league.

Jerry and Betty raised five sons: Dan, Dave, Don, Doug(1965-1981) and Dean. They owned and operated Jerry Tighe Roofing in Fond du Lac, which is now owned by their son, Dean.

The words of one Ledger grandmother most pointedly describes the spirit of Jerry Tighe: “You’re one in a million. I don’t think there is another coach who strives to develop each player’s skills and gives them the opportunity to strengthen that talent as an individual and as a team member. I think the fact that the Springs hockey team has always had the reputation of depending on all the talent, the unified team stands as a living tribute to the sense of commitment that you have instilled. Because of this, our team does not have only one or two strong players, but a whole bench of them,” said Mildred Hilbert.


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