St. Lawrence Launches Men’s Hockey Endowment in Memory of Ray Shero ’84

St. Lawrence University has launched the Ray Shero ’84 Memorial Endowed Fund for Men’s Hockey, a new initiative co-created by hockey alumni and friends to honor the transformational legacy of the late Ray Shero ’84. With more than $500,000 already committed toward a $1 million goal, the endowed fund will strengthen the competitiveness of the men’s program by providing vital additional resources to help propel the Saints toward national prominence. 

The announcement came during a milestone celebration at Appleton Arena, where more than 300 hockey alumni, family, and friends gathered to celebrate 100 years of men’s hockey and induct two new members into the Legends of Appleton: Shero and Tom O’Connor ’75, P’12. The weekend featured a Gameday Concert and Tailgate, receptions, gatherings, and the inaugural Ray Shero ’84 Memorial Alumni Game. 

“Ray’s career was defined by building championship programs, developing people, and leaving a lasting imprint on the game he loved. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students and alumni he mentored, and the values of leadership, integrity, and dedication he embodied every day,” says friend and co-chair of the Hockey Alumni Association Men’s Executive Board Randy Sexton ’82. “His influence will echo across generations—an enduring inspiration, a benchmark of excellence, and a true champion of the St. Lawrence community.” 

“Saints hockey is defined by the lifelong bonds that form in Appleton Arena but continue throughout the lives of our student-athletes,” adds Franco Bari ’98, M’10, St. Lawrence University’s Director of Athletics. “This endowed fund, in memory of Ray, an incredible player, professional, and person, showcases the legacy of support that he and those who came before him have made on our program that will be felt for generations to come.” 

Shero, who was a past recipient of the University’s Alumni Citation, was an all-time great Skating Saint and was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings before working towards his career as an NHL executive. He had stints with the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators before being named the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he built a team that hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2009. Despite the demands of his professional work, Ray remained committed to St. Lawrence and the North Country, returning often and supporting the team as a mentor to players and as a board member on the Hockey Alumni Association.  

Please consider making a gift to the Ray Shero ’84 Memorial Endowed Fund today to honor Ray’s legacy.