Hoboken To Dedicate Hockey Rink To Late Coach "Diddle"

On Saturday afternoon, May 6th at 1 o’clock, the city of Hoboken will dedicate the hockey rink at the Multi-Service Center to the late coach, John “Diddle” McDonald.  Mayor Ravi Bhalla will unveil a plaque at the outdoor rink, located at the corner of Second and Adams Streets, in the coach’s memory.

The entire Hoboken community is invited to attend the ceremony.  And bring your skates.  There will be a youth skate at 11 am and a free skate at noon.

Following the dedication, there will be an adult pick-up game at 2 o’clock.

McDonald passed away in December 2021 at the age of 58.  He worked for the city’s Recreation Department for nearly two decades, founding Hoboken’s first, youth hockey instruction program.  He also supervised the minor league and instructional baseball programs, coached youth basketball and started an adult, roller hockey league.  He also was part of a group which created the Church Square Men’s Basketball League.

It is sure to be a day of fun and remembrance for a man who loved the sport and always made everyone who stepped onto the rink feel welcome.