After a week of non-league Holiday Tourney action here is where the state rankings end up in DI, DII and DIII.
Division I
1. Bishop Hendricken: The Hawks are the returning Co-State Champions and have been looking to do the same. Hendricken leads the division in goals per game, notching 20G through three RIIL league games. The Hawks have a top goaltender in the state and elite scoring through all three lines. Not to mention the firepower that their D lines bring to the ice.
2. La Salle Academy: The Rams lead RI in point differential scoring 22G and only giving up 1G. Even with La Salle being 5-0, they have had some tight games with the Barrington (W 1–0) and East Greenwich (W 2-1). The Rams have scoring ability all over and a top goalie in the state.
3. East Greenwich: If EG can stay hot, they can beat anyone in the state. This year, the Avengers have a great resume beating Burrillville (5–4) and defeating Moses Brown (7–3). They also picked up a win over a tough Barrington team (1–0). East Greenwich's losses come from the hand of Moses Brown (3-2 OT) and LaSalle (2-1). The underdogs of D1 are making a push for the top spot.
4. Burrillville: The Broncos are a top public school team in the state. They started their season with a massive win over Mount Saint Charles (2-1). Burrillville has continued its dominance staying undefeated in league games through 2021.
5. Mount Saint Charles: We have not seen enough of Mount Saint Charles Hockey in the state of Rhode Island this year to see how good this team can be. The Mounties dropped their first game to Burrillville (2-1) and beat Warwick (6-2). I expect last year‘s Co-State Champions to rise in the rankings as we make our way through January.
6. Smithfield: The Sentinels are another great team that we have not seen much of in Rhode Island play this year. Smitty won against Prout (5–2) and a tied Warwick (2–2). Smithfield, despite facing injuries, are a sleeper team come playoffs.
7. Moses Brown: Moses Brown has strong potential with an incredible returning cast for next season. This young team proved it last year and are showing flashes of it again. They dropped their first three games to East Greenwich, Hendricken, and La Salle (top 3 teams) but recently defeated East Greenwich in OT. Going into 2022 on a high note, we will see if the Quakers can turn their season around and make a playoff push.
8. Cumberland: The Clippers will be a playoff team if they play the same way they played against Barrington all year. This season, they dropped two games to La Salle and Hendricken but shut out Barrington in a 2–0 win. Cumberland will look to bounce back at the start of January.
9. Barrington: The Eagles are one of the most underrated teams in the state despite starting 0–4. La Salle (1–0), Cumberland (2–0), Hendricken (5–4), East Greenwich (1–0). Barrington can keep up with any team in the state, and they need to be able to close games. If the Eagles can sneak into the playoffs, do not be surprised if a top seed goes down.
10. Warwick: The new D1 Warwick Co-op has not played many in-state games this year. They started their season on a great note tying an outstanding Smithfield team (2–2). Warwick then lost to Mount Saint Charles (6–2). Warwick is a competitive team and not one to be taken lightly.
11. Prout: The Crusaders are another very young team at the Division I level. They have struggled early to start the year but can sneak into the playoffs.
Division II
1. Portsmouth: The Patriots are closing out 2021 as the top team in D2, surprising many people. They have a strong resume defeating RMR (2–1) and shutting out the defending State Champs Cranston West (2–0). The Patriots are a team to watch for come February.
2. Cranston West: The Falcons have the biggest “?” currently this season. West is closing out the year 2-1-1, with wins against Lincoln (5-1) and PSW (6-2). Cranston tied North Kingstown (3–3) and lost to Portsmouth (2–0). The Falcons are fighting injuries, but they if can get healthy, they will repeat.
3. PSW: PSW defeated Portsmouth (2–1) and tied North Kingston (2–2). Their only loss comes to the hands of Cranston West. PSW has faced a challenging group of teams starting the season and has arrived ready to battle.
4. North Kingstown: Any of the top-4 teams can be placed wherever 1-4. D2 is wide open for anyone to take control. The Skippers are a team that is capable of doing so. They also have another great resume, tying both PSW (2–2) and Cranston West (3–3). They also defeated Lincoln (3–2). Watch out for NK.
5. RMR: RMR is another competitive team that has been in very tight games so far this year. The team lost to both Portsmouth and PSW (2–1). With a great goaltender in the net, this team can be a playoff threat.
6. North Smithfield: This year, North Smithfield has not played many games, but they have an impressive game against PSW to show where they tied them (1–1).
7. Lincoln: Division 2 is wide open as even though the Lions are ranked as seven, they are another excellent hockey team. The Lions dropped two games on the season, one game to West (5–1) and North Kingstown (3–2).
Divison III
1. Coventry: The Oakers seem to be the clear-cut number one as they are 4-1 in Division 3. They have scored 29G (most in RI) in five games. Coventry has had some bumps in the road, but the Oakers will be dominant for years with an excellent young core.
2. South Kingstown: The Rebels are 2-1 with wins against Ponaganset (5–4) and West Warwick (5-2). This South Kingstown team can make a deep push in the playoffs. The only game SK has dropped in league play has been to Coventry.
3. Ponaganset: The Chieftains are a team that can also score at a high volume. Pono has picked up wins against Mount Hope (7–1) and West Warwick (4–2). Their only loss comes to South Kingstown (5-4).
4. West Warwick: West Warwick/Exeter West Greenwich Co-op team has the most significant upside in the division. After starting season 1–2, the Wizards defeated Coventry and South Kingstown to win the D3 Holiday Classic. After the tournament, WW/EWG beat Coventry once again, this time in league play (5-1). They will be entering the new year on a high note.
5. Nariho: Nariho has not played many league games in 2021. However, they played great over the holiday break. After competing against higher competition, the Gulls will look to make a splash in D3.
6.JNP: JNP has been heading in the right direction since their loss to Coventry (8–2). They lost to a tough Nariho team (3-0) and tied Mount Hope (1–1).
7. Mount Hope: Mt. Hope Huskies/EP started the season off with two significant losses, but that was also due to injuries all over the roster. Mount Hope looks to bounce back in division three with time to recover.
Carbone Jr.
DC '25