Sampson earns All-State honors

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 3/20/19

The Rhode Island Girls Hockey Coaches Association recently held its All-Division Banquet at Wright's Farm, and a handful of locals were recognized for their performance this past season. Highlighting the bunch was senior Abbi Sampson, who earned

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Sampson earns All-State honors

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The Rhode Island Girls Hockey Coaches Association recently held its All-Division Banquet at Wright’s Farm, and a handful of locals were recognized for their performance this past season.

Highlighting the bunch was senior Abbi Sampson, who earned All-State honors as a forward for the Cranston-East Greenwich Thunderbirds.

“It feels great. I have been working hard for it for four years so to finally get it this year is a big accomplishment. I have received all-division, but to receive all-state from the coaches, it feels amazing,” said Sampson. “It was a surprise because we lost some seniors and had a few new girls, but I was able to connect with (my linemates), we really gelled and my teammates really helped me get to where I am today. I’ve also got to thank my dad, he’s been there for me every day and has always pushed me to be the best.”

2018-19 was the first time in program history that the Thunderbirds qualified for the postseason. Sampson was proud to see the group’s hard work pay off.

“It was really special. From girls getting their first goals to girls getting all-division awards, it was special. We made the playoffs for the first time in five years, our coaches were amazing and we all worked so hard during the past four years,” said Sampson.

Sampson’s next stop will be at the University of Rhode Island, where she will be continuing her hockey career next winter.

“I had been talking to (URI coach Ashley Pagliarini) for a few years now and she always seemed really interested. I also wanted to stay close to home. I chose URI because it just seemed like the best fit for me … I’m just hoping to do my best and to do as much as I can for them,” said Sampson, who will also miss playing for her hometown team. “I’m definitely going to miss having my dad on the bench with me … he was such a big part of my high school career, he’s always been there. He’ll be missed by I know that he will always be there in the stands. Besides my dad I’ll also miss the girls and their energy, going to practice and having fun every day, being able to let loose.”

Fellow Thunderbird Hannah Slaiby was named to the DeCosta Division First Team, while Lindsey Brady and Rosalina Caliri made the second team.

Cranston’s Alexia Bessette was named to the third team as a defenseman, while teammate Elizabeth Amelotte was named to the third team as a forward. Rylie Bessette and Lauren Brady were honorable mentions in the DeCosta Division as well.

Slaiby would later take home the William Nangle Award for Leadership as well as the Hobey Baker Character Award.

Warwick’s Kaylee O’Connor was named to the DeCosta Division First Team as a defenseman, while teammate Nicole Procaccini was also named to the First Team as a forward. Warwick’s Ella Centracchio and Carina Cardi were also named to the DeCosta Second Team.

Warwick Goalie Rebecca Yaseen was named to the DeCosta Third Team for her year between the pipes, while teammates Rose Flaherty and Olivia Monte were also named to the Third Team. Elise Saccoccia and Jillian Walsh were named Honorable Mentions.

Yaseen was later presented the William Nangle Award for Leadership, while Proccacini earned the Hobey Baker Character Award.

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