Salem/Swampscott Blades Hockey

MIKE "SARGE" CHEEVER'S

USA HOCKEY 2006 WM. THAYER TUTT AWARD WINNER

For more than 40 years, the name Mike Cheever has been synonymous with Mass Hockey. As an administrator, coach, board member and officer, Cheever has contributed to the growth of the sport on a number of levels.

Cheever previously served on the Catholic Youth Organization Athletic Advisory Board for the Greater Boston area and held the position of CYO Hockey Commissioner. He also served as the president and a coach of the Boston CYO league.

For the past 17 years, Cheever has served as a District Director from Massachusetts (1989-2006). He has been an associate registrar for Mass Hockey since 1996, and has also served as the selects commissioner. In addition, Cheever has been the on-site tournament director for many events.

A member of USA Hockey's Youth Council for 13 years (1991-2004), Cheever served as team leader for the 2002 U.S. Under-17 Select Team that won a gold medal at the Five Nations Tournament in the Czech Republic. He also directed the 2003 USA Hockey Select 15 player development camp in St. Cloud, Minn.

Locally, Cheever is the president of the Salem-Swampscott youth hockey league. A coach in the league for over 40 years, Cheever was instrumental in merging the Salem and Swampscott programs. He has also served on the disciplinary board and was the director of hockey operations for the program.

Recognized by his peers for keeping "fun" in the game, and staying involved at the local level, Cheever has coached hundreds of kids over the years. One former player, Mark De Vincent, writes in a tribute to Cheever, "Thanks, Cheese - you have given me a life lesson that has stuck with me. 'Many times what you give is far more enjoyable than what you get."

Mike and his wife, Mickey, have four daughters; Eleanor, Erin, Rose and Joanne. They are also grandparents of seven; Joe, Keila, Kaylie, Kyle, Jaylin, Jordan and Anthony.

8/22/06 - MJW 

With much sadness I'm sorry to say that Mike Cheever passed away last evening.

It's not very often that you can say that you've met someone who's "larger than life". That person is often very colorful with personality and characteristics that make them unforgettable. And to have an opportunity to know them and learn from them, well that's a privilege that few get to experience. I consider myself lucky in that aspect.

If the measure of a man is gauged not by the amount of wealth he obtains, but by the amount of lives he's touched, Mike was a man of immeasurable proportions.

Mike spent over 40 years in the game of hockey in one form or another. And it always amazed me that Mike was the one to pull a conversation or debate back to reality by not letting go of the fact that we were talking about a kid's game. He knew so much about things, but never would let anyone forget that we were there for the kids. Bottom line: That's what he was about. Mike was there for the kids.

Halfway thru the season last year, Mike informed us that he couldn't continue coaching his beloved Squirt 2 team because of health reasons. I know that it had to be hard for him to make that decision. But when the time came for the banquet at the close of the season, Mike mustered up the strength, pulled himself together, and stood on stage and spoke about each and every one of "his kids" on his team. That was what was important and no one could keep him away.

Mike was there for the kids.

We'll all miss him, which goes without saying. My heart goes out to Mrs. Cheever and her family.

Sadly,
Mike West

8/28/06 - MJW 

Our own Mike Cheever was among eight local hockey talents recently elected to the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame.

Coach Cheever was honored by being inducted in the "Grassroots" catagory for his overall endeavors in the hockey community.

We continue to learn what Mike contributed as an administrator, coach, board member, and family man.

His life touched many....

....his legacy continues to grow.

1/12/07 - BJA