Bud Bakewell Hockey Association: History

A Riverside legend Reuben "Bud" Bakewell was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to Canada as a youngster, where he learned to play hockey. His local hockey involvement can be traced to the backyard rink he built, complete with lights and music. His initial involvement with organized youth hockey began in 1958 when he signed his son up at the local rink. He quickly became a mainstay at the rink and the successful program  was eventually named after him - The BUD BAKEWELL BRUINS - the only such honor bestowed on an individual in Western New York.

His efforts toward enclosing the rink in Riverside Park lead to another honor, the naming of the building after him. 

In 1960 Reuben "Bud" Bakewell received the General Motors Award for excellence in Community Activities, and the DeWitt Clinton Masonic Award for Community Service.

In 1987 he became the second recipient of the William Thayer Tutt Award, presented by USA Hockey in Colorado Springs, Co. in recognition of his efforts to promote hockey at the grass roots level.

50 years ago, Reuben "Bud" Bakewell started a hockey program that promotes and encourages athletics, physical fitness and sportsmanship, as well as the enhancement of the moral character of young boys and girls.

The ideals in which the organization was created, continues in his tradition to this day.