Keith J. Lyden

Memorial

Hockey Game

Game Day: Hockey was a big part of Keith J. Lyden's life, a life cut much too short when he passed away at the age of 42 on May 4, 2010. More than 80 current and formers players and more than 250 friends and Lyden family members were on hand for two hockey games played in Lyden's  memory on Friday, July 9, at Aspen Ice in Randolph Township. Both the memories shared and the games played that evening were enjoyed by all who particiated.
 
Keith J. Lyden Memorial game set for July 8
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    DENVILLE - Yes, they are going to "play these games again."
    That was the question most asked after last year's Keith J. Lyden Memorial Ice Hockey Games were played with more than 80 current and former players participating and another 250 friends, relatives and hockey fans who knew Keith J. Lyden watching from the stands.
    The second annual memorial to Keith J. Lyden,  a lifelong resident of the Indian Lake section of Denville who passed away on May 4, 2010, will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at  Aspen Ice one 16 Aspen Drive in Randolph Township.
    Adults and high school-age players who want to play in the games are asked to sign up as soon as possible. One game became two games last year when so many registered to play - and still some players had to be turned away. As it was last year, spots one the four teams will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
    All proceeds from the games will be used for two scholarships for Morris Knolls High School seniors - one for ice hockey and one for field hockey.  Aspen Ice is once again donating the ice time for the event.
    Prospective players are asked to e-mail Noelle Tironi at njtdtironi@aol.com to reserve a roster spot. The suggested registration fee for players is $25. Spectator tickets will be on sale at the rink with the suggested donation price $10 for adults and $5 for children.
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Players from the high school contest line up after game as part of the crowd of 250 watches.

Bobby Ganert, Mike Reilly and Michael McGavin,

teammates of Keith J. Lyden at Morris Knolls in 1982-86,

presented the Lyden family with Lyden's No. 16.

Cousins Peter Lyden Jr., Keith Lyden Jr., and Dennis Palaia pose with Peter Lyden, Keith's brother who coached the "Lyden Lunatics" and "Stephanie's Studs" teams to victory.

Knolls senior Tommy Dreisbach and Chloe Lyden, Keith's

daughter and a stat girl on the high school team.

Stat girls (from top left) Kelly Schonevel, Chloe Lyden,

 Taylor Deemer and Brenna Harty.

The score didn't matter ... getting together to honor

the memory of Keith J. Lyden did.

IN MEMORY OF:


Keith
J.
Lyden

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'Hockey Night' games
attract more than 300
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   DENVILLE - It was  fitting that the memory of Keith J. Lyden was  celebrated with not one, but two, hockey games recently.
   The Keith J. Lyden Memorial Hockey Night was held on Friday, July 9, at Aspen Ice in Randolph Township with the two games played on ice time donated by the ownes of Aspen Ice.
   Originally, one game had been planned to honor the memory of Lyden, but more than 80 players signed up to play the game that Lyden loved and a second game was added.
    Lyden was 42 years of age when he passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. He was born in Denville and lived in the Indian Lake section of the township his entire life.
    Those who knew him well remember him as playing hockey "for his entire life" as well.
    Pond hockey on the lake ... Denville PAL Hockey as a youth ... captain of the team at Morris Knolls High School. He then played at the County College of Morris where he was a member of the 1987 Region 19 championship team. He also played for the N.J. Colonials travel hockey team.
    As an adult, Lyden coached hockey in the Denville PAL program and was especially pleased to be able to coach his son and his nephews. He also coached the N.J. Devils Youth Hockey Club. He was a big fan of the New Jersey Devils NHL team.
    More than 250 friends of the Lydens attended the two games with the Green teams coached by Peter Lyden (Keith's brother) and Chad Deemer defeating the White teams coached by Matt Dreisbach and John O'Dell in both the adult ("seasoned players") and youth ("the young guns) games.
    Keith's son Keith Jr. scored a goal in the youth game and nephew Dennis Palaia scored a goal in the adult  game. Several players on the adult teams came from out-of-state to play.
   After the games, more memories were shared at Brick 46 in Rockaway where players, family and fans were treated to three hours of music by Indian Lake's Freddy Flake, who also donated his time and services to night of memories and hockey.

  "It was an enjoyable evening," said Stephanie Lyden, Keith's widow, who spent the evening visiting with friends and family and taking the photos you see here. "I can't thank enough all the people who partici-pated."
   Proceeds from the game - donations from players and spectators and "fines" doled out to those who took penalties in the game - went  to the "Lyden Family Fund" to help with the costs of educating Lyden's children - Keith J. Lyden Jr. and Chloe E. Lyden.
   The Green side won both games, taking the adult game, 6-2, and the youth game, 8-4. 
   The real winners, however, were those who attended and participated in the event.
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      (For those who could not attend the game but wish to make a donation, please contact Noelle Tironi at njtdtironi@aol.com.)