Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2015
Stephen Canis
Athlete
Class of 1983
Soccer, Hockey, Baseball, Outdoor Track & Field
Stephen was a standout four-sport scholar-athlete at Ponaganset High School. His participation was characterized by commanding strength, a remarkable skill set and extraordinary leadership capabilities. He earned 12 varsity letters and became the clutch player and captain of two championship teams for the Chieftains.
A four-year starting catcher for the baseball team, Stephen also threw javelin for the outdoor track team. However, it was his dominance on the soccer pitch and in the ice rink that saw him truly rise above his peers. He asserted his presence in those sports with powerful play and an aggressive spirit, and he quickly gained the respect and attention of his opponents. His intellect, skill and effective leadership style was recognized by his teammates and coaches, and he was chosen as a captain for both sports in his senior year, when he led them both to Rhode Island State Championships.
Stephen’s dominance in soccer was acknowledged throughout his high school career, with all-division honors awarded in three-consecutive years. He was selected for all-state honors by the Providence Journal and named to the Woonsocket Call All-Star Team as a senior. He was also named to the Division II Playoffs All-Tournament Team in 1982. His status as a clutch player became evident when he scored the game-winning goal against Narragansett in the semifinal, propelling the Chieftains into the finals and eventually to the 1982 Division II state title.
On the ice, his athletic prowess and success continued. The Providence Journal named him to the 1982 all-state hockey team. As a captain, he led his team to the Division III state title that season, netting yet another game-winning goal in the championship game. He was also selected to play on an all-star hockey team that traveled to Italy and competed for two weeks.
After graduating fourth in his class as a member of the National Honor Society, Stephen received his BA in Biology from Brandeis University in 1987 and earned a DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania-School of Dental Medicine in 1991. He became the school dentist for the Lower Dauphin School System, Dental Advisor for United Concordia Insurance Company, and is currently practicing General Dentistry in Hummelstown, Pa., where he resides with his wife Ana and two sons, Matthew and Phillip.