RI Hockey Hall of Fame Launches “High School Hockey All-Star Showcase”

RI Hockey Hall of Fame Launches “High School Hockey All-Star Showcase”

 

The Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame announced the creation of the first-ever “RI High School All-Star Showcase” to display the talents of Rhode Island’s best boys and girls high school ice hockey players.

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The Rhode Island showcase will be played in front of the state’s passionate hockey community, as well as college coaches and recruiters, at Schneider Arena at Providence College on Wednesday, January 17, starting at 6 pm. Today’s announcement was made by Vincent Cimini, founding chairman of the Hall of Fame.

According to Cimini, “Part of the Hall’s mission is to grow the game of ice hockey in our state and give every player the opportunity to continue to play, improve and enjoy the game for as long as possible."

“The Showcase will allow all who love the game the unique opportunity to witness some of the most talented young players in the country display their impressive skills. Also, the games will provide players with the platform to perhaps move their careers forward, gaining access to college opportunities,” said the Hall of Fame.

Sean McNamara, coach of the La Salle Academy girl’s team, HOF Board member, and games coordinator for the Showcase, noted, "This is a first-time opportunity for RI high school hockey fans to watch some of the best male and female student-athletes competing in the same venue, on the same night.  Additionally, we are thrilled to offer players the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in front of college coaches in a fast, competitive contest against their peers."

The All-Star Showcase will include two games - one for the girls starting at 6 pm and one for the boys starting at 8 pm – each featuring two 20-player teams playing games consisting of two 25-minute periods.

Each Interscholastic League hockey coach has been tasked with selecting their best two players, regardless of age or class, to participate in the Showcase. Additionally, the coaches will carefully construct each team’s lineup to help ensure a balanced competition.

The 80 players will wear RI Hockey Hall of Fame All-Star jerseys designed specifically for the All-Star Showcase.

The participants will be surrounded by Hall of Famers, NHLers, Olympians, All-Americans, and local legends – Paul Guay, Tom Mellor, Digit Murphy, Sara DeCosta, Vicki Movsessian, Erika Silva, and David Belisle, among others.

"RI hockey royalty who will serve as honorary coaches and commentators to further inspire and strengthen the generational bond between the state’s hockey stars of the past, present and future," said the Hall of Fame.

Todd Angilly, Warwick native and Boston Bruins National Anthem singer, will open the evening’s games and festivities.

Admission to the Showcase is $5 per person, but youth league players of all levels and abilities wearing their youth league jersey will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.