The 11th annual Heuchling and Swift Memorial Classic is scheduled to commence on the forthcoming Wednesday at the Whittemore Center, and all tournament games will take place in honor of the legacies of Todd Heuchling and Brian Swift, former standout hockey players from Oyster River High School.
Each year, the tournament affords Oyster River head coach Peter Harwood the opportunity to pay homage to two of the most impactful hockey players in the history of the Bobcats. “Our objective is to reach the final and secure victory in the tournament,” articulated Harwood as he conveyed his keen anticipation for the impending event.
Todd Heuchling, who played a pivotal role in leading Oyster River to two soccer state championships, tragically passed away at the age of 19 while preparing for the marathon team at the U.S. Military Academy West Point. Similarly, Brian Swift, widely regarded as one of the preeminent hockey players in the state, had to relinquish his playing career due to bone cancer at a mere 15 years of age.
The participating teams in this year’s tournament have been assigned to two divisions – Heuchling and Swift. Oyster River, Keene, and Trumbull (Conn.) will vie in the Heuchling Division, while Marshwood/Noble/Traip/Sanford, Portsmouth/Newmarket, and Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts) will contend in the Swift Division.
Joel Brown, head coach of Portsmouth/Newmarket, conveyed the privilege felt by his team at the prospect of participating in the tournament, remarking, “It’s a privilege for us to play in their memory. Todd Heuchling and Brian Swift’s passion for hockey lives on in this tournament.”
The tournament is slated to commence with two games on Wednesday, followed by additional matches on Thursday and Friday. The championship game, featuring the top-ranked teams from each division, is set to take place on Saturday at 6 p.m.
In the previous five tournaments, Martha’s Vineyard emerged triumphant twice (2019, 2022), Trumbull secured victory twice (2017, 2021), and Oyster River clinched the championship once (2018). Notwithstanding the cancellation of the tournament in 2020 due to the pandemic, competition is expected to be intense this year.
The Heuchling and Swift Memorial Classic stands as a fitting homage to the enduring legacies of two remarkable individuals. It transcends being merely a hockey tournament; it is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of Todd Heuchling and Brian Swift.