On Tuesday afternoon, 31 March, the members and coaching staff of the La Salle Academy Boys’ Hockey Team were feted at the Rhode Island State House in recognition of their winning the State Championship after a 38 year drought.
The team was brought into the Senate Lounge to be greeted by Senator Daniel Da Ponte (Pictured on the lower left), Class of 1996 and a 4 year hockey player. He presented each student-athlete with a signed certificate. Following a picture on the steps of the State House leading to the Senate Chamber, the team was led into the Senate Chamber where Sen. Da Ponte offered a resolution of congratulations to the team. The resolution passed unanimously and the team was invited to stand to the applause of the Senate. It was a remarkable experience for the young men and the coaching staff.
Senator Da Ponte’s sentiments (offered on his Facebook page) read in part: “I had the honor and privilege to host the La Salle Academy Boys Hockey state championship team in the Senate. As I congratulated and had the opportunity to speak with them, I couldn’t help but be reminded of so many great memories and experiences as a member of that team years ago. Whether it’s something about the game or the school, they’re memories and experiences that will remain with me forever. The sacrifices that my parents made along the many years and the friendships that I had the opportunity to make as a player. These were moments , experiences and friendships created that have defined who I have become and am today. Many hard fought games over so many years hoping to win a state championship. The Team Moderator (and Principal of La Salle when I was a student), Brother Frederick Mueller, said that this team not only won for them, but they also won for all of us who never had that opportunity. They did, and many of us will be forever grateful and proud of this accomplishment. To the team, their coaches, parents and classmates…thank you and congratulations! You deserve it! In closing, I’d like to end in the way that each class at La Salle and each game began in the locker room….. St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us….live Jesus in our hearts, forever.”