HNIB News High School Hockey's Best Coverage | Est. 1972
Rhode Island Top 10
| Rank | Team | PR* | W | L | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaSalle | 16 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2 | Bishop Hendricken | 17 | 2 | 1 | |
| 3 | Mt. St. Charles | 14 | 6 | 0 | |
| 4 | Cumberland | 22 | 1 | 1 | |
| 5 | PSW | 18 | 5 | 1 | |
| 6 | Cranston West | 11 | 5 | 0 | |
| 7 | Smithfield | 10 | 13 | 1 | |
| 8 | Ponaganset | 15 | 5 | 0 | |
| 9 | Pilgrim | 17 | 3 | 0 | |
| 10 | RMR | 9 | 6 | 0 | |
It’s all about the new coaches in the top three to start this season. But that’s no reason to abandon the usual Ocean State powerhouses.
We’re going with LaSalle on top at #1 to start the season. Hendricken may have swept LaSalle in the finals last year, but the state Division 1 runner-up is loaded with lots of scoring in its returning crew.
Hendricken at #2 also has some solid returnees and seems to be young. It only has one senior in the front and back lines returning.
You’ve gotta like the 13 returning seniors from Mount St. Charles, also playing under a first-year coach, as Matt Merten takes over behind the bench for the Mounties.
Cumberland has its work cut out for it if it wants to continue its dominance in Division 2. The team finished 21-1-1 last season and won a decisive Game 3 in the finals over PSW.
We’re digging #5 PSW’s crew of returnees, including its three senior captains. It also has two capable goalies with experience and has the benefit of playing at the highest level in Division 2 before falling in the state championship final series.
Another crew with a lot of returnees is #6 Cranston West, which brings back 13 players. They have experience at Divisions 1 and 2.
#7 Smithfield looks to improve on its 11-win season with a good chunk of returnees.
#8 Ponaganset really had a nice season last year. Although its coach sees this as a rebuilding year with a chance to be a spoiler, we’re leaving them in the top 10 until they get knocked out.
#9 Pilgrim and #10 RMR compose the final two. Pilgrim won the state title and brings back plenty from that team.
Dom Nicastro
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