Massena native and former SUNY Potsdam men’s hockey coach Tim Long, 73, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014. Coach Long spent five seasons (1983-88) as John Horan’s top assistant, helping to establish the still young program’s legitimacy in college hockey.
Long was very well respected and liked by his players during his time with the Bears. He helped Coach Horan amass 59 wins during his time with the team. During his five seasons Brian Bell (1985), Dave Palmisano (1985) and Howie Vandermast (1987) became the first three All-Americans in Potsdam hockey history. The Long era also included eight All-SUNYAC selections and two SUNYAC Players of the Year.
Long was an English teacher at West Genesee High School in Syracuse and at Norwood-Norfolk Central before he retired in 2000. He also coached at both schools and at Massena Central, helping the Red Raiders to Division I New York State Championships in 1993 and 1995.
Tim is survived by his wife, Deborah; his children, Timothy and Lisa of Massena, Tracy and Charles Bird of New York City, Jennifer A. of South Burlington, Vt. and Zachary M. of Syracuse; four grandchildren, Catherine, Danielle, Kelly and Cade; a brother, Joseph and Diane of Aurora; and sisters Martha and Jeff Slack of Massena and Nora and Craig Maguire of Baldwinsville.
(Pictured above L-R: John Horan and Tim Long a visit Maxcy Ice Arena to view the rink construction in August 2013.)
