Dick Roberge

Dick Roberge (born April 7, 1934) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey forward and coach.

He is thought to be the inspiration behind Paul Newman's character, Reggie Dunlop, in the movie Slap Shot and appears in the film in an uncredited role as a referee.

[1][2] Roberge spent the majority of his career with the Johnstown Jets, joining the team at the start of the 1954-55 IHL season.

[5] Roberge spent several years with the Jets as a player-coach, but eventually asked to relinquish his responsibilities as coach so he could focus on playing hockey.

On July 22, 1971, GM John Mitchell granted a release to Roberge from coaching the Jets[6] He eventually returned to the team as a full-time coach during the 1974-75 season where he led the team to the Lockhart Cup as winners of the NAHL playoffs.