Who are the best girls hockey players in RI? We've got 10 players we think can make claims
With only eight teams, girls hockey is the smallest sport in the state. But what it lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for on the ice.
Seven of the eight teams are co-ops, which in addition to giving girls a chance to play, has resulted in depth and talent on the rosters. More than one or two teams have more than one line of skaters and it’s allowed many players around the state to flourish.
Who are the players that will shine brightest this winter? We’ve got 10 we’re watching as they try to guide their teams to titles in what should be a memorable 2023-24 girls hockey season.
Eliza Barker, La Salle
Junior, forward
Barker has been one of the state’s best players since putting on her Rams uniform, but she’ll be chasing something more than stats this winter. Barker is still going to get her numbers — she’s an elite finisher and playmaker — and if she continues to perform as she has in the past, a state championship could finally follow.
Maddie Bradley, La Salle
Junior, forward
Bradley was one of the best offensive players in Rhode Island last winter and earned herself a second-team All-State spot. Expect more big things from Bradley — who already has three goals and three assists this season — and will be tough for defenses to stop as the Rams try to win a state title after losing the last two.
Michaela Bucci, South County
Senior, defense
The South County co-op has been a tough team since its inception and expect Bucci to have the Storm back in the mix this season. Bucci, a first-team All-State selection last winter, was instrumental in South County’s run to the semifinals, and with most of last year’s young roster back, her team is a Division I dark horse.
Quinn Faria, SCMB
Senior, defense
Faria has been an underrated part of Smithfield/Cumberland/Moses Brown’s last two championships. An anchor on the defense, Faria earned first-team all-division honors from the coaches association for her play, which should only get better in her senior year. Faria is also an offensive threat — just ask La Salle — and really helps the Sentinels be a well-rounded team.
Julia LaForge, La Salle
Junior, defense
LaForge is a part of the Rams’ talented Class of 2025 that might be hungrier than any to get a title. Her play on defense last winter helped La Salle get to the state title game and earn a second-team All-State nod, but this season will be all about a championship. LaForge is a talented skater and has great stick skills that will make scoring against the Rams tough all winter.
Keira Goffe, SCMB
Junior, forward
An electric player since she started skating for the Sentinels, Goffe has known nothing but winning in her high school career and doesn’t plan to change that this winter. Goffe, a two-time first-team All-Stater, does things on offense no one in the state can and it makes her hard to stop. Scoring or passing, she’s a big reason why SCMB is the favorite to win the state title this season.
Kaylin O’Connor, SCMB
Junior, forward
O’Connor was tremendous last season, earning second-team All-State honors, and was an impressive scorer. Paired with Keira Goffe, the duo gives the Sentinels a 1-2 combo few teams can match. Expect O’Connor to be a dominant offensive star all season as the SCMB team tries to become the first public school program to win back-to-back state titles.
Kinsley Phenix, Mount St. Charles co-op
Freshman, forward
The Phenix is rising in Woonsocket this season. The freshman has started her career with a bang, scoring two goals with three assists two weeks into the 2023-24 season. If the Mount St. Charles/Cumberland/Lincoln/St. Raphael co-op team can get this type of consistency, there’s a good chance they’ll be able to contend for a title this winter.
Ava Porter, Moses Brown
Junior, goalie
Porter’s blood runs colder than the ice she’s skating on and her play in net only shows it. The junior is one of the state’s best netminders. She’s a difference-maker the Sentinels need if they want to repeat as state champs. Her glove is magnificent, stick-work impeccable and, after Moses Brown lost in the field hockey state title game, Porter is going to be trying to make sure she ends the winter with gold.
Addyson Whittet, East Bay
Junior, defense
Last winter was tough for the young East Bay co-op, but with Whittet back and its roster a little more experienced, the Eagles are due for a bounce back season. Whittet was a Division II first-team all-division selection and could be in for bigger honors this winter. Whittet’s talent is obvious, but her leadership skills are what’s going to differentiate her as East Bay tries to contend.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ten of Rhode Island's best girls hockey players for the 2023-24 season
