Huntsville, Ala. (WAFF) – Hockey in Huntsville has become a staple over the past few decades. One couple to thank for the game development of Rocket City is Fred and Betty Hudson.

The Hudson family, who recently passed away, were honored at the Huntsville Ice Sports Center on Sunday for their contributions to building the Southern hockey scene, on and off the ice.

Fred was instrumental in increasing interest in youth hockey in Huntsville. In 1962, he founded the North Alabama Amateur Hockey Association which helped form other hockey-related organizations.

Their legacy in Huntsville has added more professional hockey players, said Dean Hudson, Fred and Betty's son.

“We have a lot of young men who have turned into professional hockey players in Huntsville,” Dean said. “And they come back and in turn help with the younger guys and that's what a big hockey family is all about.”

Many hockey fans came out to celebrate the couple on Sunday and took a lap around the rink in their honor. The continuing legacy of Fred and Betty lives on inside the ice.

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