September Sports

One Coach Back - One Coach Leaves. EPHS Hockey Transitions.

East Providence High School hockey will no longer be based at the school nor have its own identity. Although the hockey program bravely fought for an existence the past few years, it finally succumbed to low numbers. It wasn't for lack of heart, however, but simply put, it was near impossible to house a hockey team without a rink. Imagine a baseball team without a field. One main reason that Townie hockey lasted so long was the success of now former head coach, Kevin Croke.

"It's a sad day in East Providence when the Townies have to seek out a partner to coop with to survive as a program. The lack of available and affordable ice time locally has crippled hockey in the area," Kevin Croke told the Reporter late last month. In the early days of Townie hockey, the team used the Dudley Richards rink off New Road in Rumford. The rink was home to many classic hockey games. Most notable were the state and New England championship teams of the Wilson - Army era as well as years before that time. Strong Townie hockey teams coached by iconic coaches like Joe Sprague and Bob Fontes and others provided many years of great ice-hockey. However when a city council of the 70's refused to buy and add the Richards rink to the city recreation department, the rink was sold and became USA Skates, its' current tenant.

The high school then was forced to rent space at the Lynch Public Arena in Pawtucket for several years. "When Pawtucket sold Lynch to a private owner in 2009, ice costs skyrocketed which in turn sent the urban hockey programs scrambling. We were the last surviving urban ring school to field an autonomous high school hockey team," lamented Croke. Increasingly, talented hockey players were going elsewhere to play hockey. New Townie Athletic Director, Gregg Amore was faced with a decision this year when only a handful of players showed interest in skating.

"One of AD Gregg Amore's first acts was to insure the survival of the Townies Hockey Program. He immediately sought out potential matches and settled on a merger with Lincoln High School. Lincoln's former coach and I discussed a possible coop before last season, but we were unable to put together a proposal. Gregg, along with Superintendent Kathryn Crowley, who is a big hockey proponent herself, banged out an agreement to merge the programs in a two year coop. Lincoln, who has 14 players and the Townies are returning 8 will end up with a very good team. Lincoln, with the greater number of players will serve as the host team, which makes them responsible for all the administration of it," further explained Croke. One benefit of the coop is the East Providence players will join Lincoln in Division 2 this year. Mike Forrest, the Townie assistant coach the past 5 years will be staying on with the coop. Croke is the odd man out. "After 5 years with the Townies, and with my role as head coach being significantly diminished as part of the coop, I turned in my resignation last month to Gregg Amore. As I look back at my tenure at East Providence, I had the privilege of coaching some really wonderful student-athletes. I can only hope my players have learned a fraction as much from me as I learned from them. They provided me an experience which I am forever indebted. One should never question the heart, nor depth of character of a Townie," continued Croke.

Croke, who won three state championships as a Townie coach isn't leaving hockey altogether. He has accepted the head coaching job for the Barrington High School hockey team. "I am excited about the opportunity to coach in Barrington, but I will always treasure my memories at East Providence." Croke is concerned for the future of Rhode Island hockey. "Unless 2-3 new ice rinks are built, and at least one on the East Bay, I'm afraid for the future. Not only here, it's all RI Hockey. We're down to 26 varsity hockey programs in RI. Ten years ago, there was something like a 15 team D2 and 15 team D3 and an 8 team D1. For now, Coach Croke will continue to teach young men and women on the ice, only he's an Eagle and not a Townie for now.

Soccer

After former city manager wanted to stop both Kevin Croke and Tony Vieira from coaching hockey and soccer respectively because they were also city employees, both teams saw some turmoil. Croke was allowed to stay after a minor uproar and Vieira left EPHS coaching to coach at Providence College. The controversy no longer exists and a happy and talented Vieira is back this year as EPHS boys soccer coach.

Schoolboy and girl high school and middle school sports begin the Fall season this month. ReporterToday.com will cover team schedules, updates and scores. Follow your favorite team at The Reporter. Email bobrodericks@gmail.com for more information.