Marlborough—Mayor Arthur Vigeant announced today that this year’s Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal will be longtime resident, Olympian, and community contributor Robert (Bobby) Butler.
“We are proud to select Bobby Butler as our Grand Marshal. Bobby’s perseverance, hard work, and pride in his community set a great example for everyone in our community; particularly our young members. His desire to share his skills and talent by giving back are what being a parade Grand Marshal is all about,” Vigeant said.
Born in 1987, Butler was raised in Marlborough. He is the son of Wendy and “Coach” John Butler. Butler and his wife Lisa have two children, Vincent and Beckham.
Butler joined the Marlborough High School (MHS) varsity hockey team in eighth grade. During his senior year, he led MHS to its 2005 state championship. His outstanding goal record is memorialized on a Navin Arena banner, serving as an inspiration for younger hockey players.
He continued his stellar career playing for the University of New Hampshire’s team as part of the class of 2010 and was nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the best college hockey player of the year. He has had a successful pro hockey career in the AHL, NHL, and Europe.
Butler also represented his country at the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2013 and earlier this year at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, playing for Team USA. He is known throughout Marlborough not only for his hockey career, Vigeant said, but also for his dedication to the community and the example he sets.
Butler has coached numerous Marlborough hockey teams, has worked tirelessly to secure sports items for the Mayor’s Charity Ball and other area charities, and has created New England Sports Center’s Shoot to Score Hockey School program to teach and encourage aspiring hockey players.
Butler will lead off this year’s parade which steps off at 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3.
To learn more about the parade, volunteer, or donate visit marlboroughlabordayparade.com.
