Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2018
Boys Ice Hockey Team
1990-1991
The 1990 – 1991 Ponaganset Undefeated Boys Hockey Team was (and still is) one for the record books. They remain the only undefeated hockey team in Ponaganset High’s Hockey history. The record setting team went 18-0 during the regular season. This included (5) crossover games against Class C opponents.
The foundation for success of the 1990 – 1991 Boys Hockey team can be attributed to the tough lessons learned, hard work and a desire to win reflected by the players in the face of adversity. The disappointing results, (two back to back defeats in the Suburban championship to Johnston) leading up to the undefeated season would have demoralized lesser young men. After having the taste of reaching the championship hockey finals, the team really became an integrated unit with one main goal and purpose. Which was to win a championship! The seniors (12) rose to the occasion during the 1990 – 1991 season and carried the balance of the team with them. The methodical reconstruction project was carried out to perfection. Leading by example, providing motivational inspiration, and not accepting anything less than success was the perfect storm for a perfect undefeated championship season!
This undefeated season was the culmination of a very successful career academically and scholastically for the seniors on the team. Earning not only All Division, MVP honors but more importantly graduating on to well renowned colleges. However, the greatest success they achieved was not so much what they accomplished on the ice but rather the leadership qualities that shone through during times of difficult challenges. The way in which they rallied their teammates and truly developed a family that was all inclusive. This will remain their legacy.
The 1990 – 1991 Ponaganset High Undefeated Hockey team was comprised of the following 19 players and 2 coaches; R. Erickson, D. Morin, D. Pearson, J. Darby, M. Durfee, M. Ercolano, C. Knight, J. Whitford, J. Tucker, J. Martin, T. Ouellette, D. Yeadon, B. Hokeness, B. Cook, M. Dionne, A. Smith, J. Poole, C. DeCesare. Coach DeCesare, Coach Jervis.