The Chatham Sports Hall of Fame and the Chatham Maroons are sharing their condolences on the loss of a local hockey legend.
The Japan Daily News reported on Tuesday that Mel Wakabayashi passed away on Sunday, July 9 at the age of 80.
Wakabayashi, who grew up in Chatham, went on to play for the Chatham Jr. Maroons and later captained the University of Michigan Men's hockey team in the 1960's.
According to the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame on Facebook, current Chatham Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Al Hinnegan called Wakabayashi "the epitome of Class, a true ' Michigan Man '".
Former Chatham Jr. Maroon and fellow U of Michigan varsity hockey player Phil Gross was also quoted by the Hall of Fame in the social media post as saying, "it was a privilege to play with [Mel] and witness his All-American & Michigan Hockey HOF magic, Mel was so talented & so humble!"
During his career as a player, Wakabayashi was signed by the Detroit Red Wings after college and was assigned to the Red Wings' farm team before moving to Japan.
Wakabayashi also coached Japan's men's national ice hockey team at several international events including the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
