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Heritage Society, Interscholastic League Honor "Unsung Heroes"

Providence, RI (3/9/2013): Members of the Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society will join with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League in honoring six of this year’s outstanding student athletes with the third annual Rhode Island Reds “Unsung Hero” Awards during the league’s championship game at Brown University’s Meehan Auditorium on Saturday, March 16.

Recognized for their “unsung hero” performances for this year's awards in the women's division will be Ashley Devolve, goalie for Lincoln/Cumberland; Victoria Piccirillo, defense for LaSalle Academy; and Lindsay Hadfield, forward for Cranston.

Men's division awards will go to Connor Finn, goalie for East Greenwich; Nicholas Migliori, defense for LaSalle Academy; and Brian Belisle, forward for Mt. St. Charles Academy.

The three category awards are named in honor of former R. I. Reds' greats Gil Mayer (goaltender), Ferny Flaman (defense) and Chuck Scherza (forward).

The awards will be presented by R. I. Reds Heritage Society directors Andre Mayer and Rick Scherza, sons of Gil Mayer and Chuck Scherza, and Laurie Fletcher, daughter of the recently deceased Ferny Flaman.

The selection committee was made up with representatives from the hockey coaches association, the RIIL and the R. I. Reds Heritage Society. Criteria for nominations were a player's contributions to high school hockey; demonstrated acts of sportsmanship, leadership and community involvement; academic performance; talent and ability; challenges coping with personal obstacles and hardships.

“We were not looking necessarily at possible All-Staters or super stars, but more towards unsung heroes,” said Tom Mezzanotte, RIIL's executive director, in making the announcement. “It is a different approach to honor what you might call a silent MVP.”

Rick Scherza, the R. I. Reds Heritage Society's liaison with RIIL underscored the awards' purposes: “We are interested in those kids who plug it out every day and contribute to their team because they love the game of hockey.”

Women's Division

Receiving the Ferny Flaman Award as the outstanding defenseman is LaSalle Academy's Victoria Piccirillo. Victoria is a four-year varsity letter winner who has distinguished herself in the classroom by earning a four-year 93 overall average. Victoria's “team first” attitude, contributes to her recognition as a team leader. Presenting the award will be Laurie Fletcher, daughter of Ferny Flaman.

This year's recipient of the Chuck Scherza Award for the outstanding forward goes to Lindsay Hadfield of Cranston. In four years, she hasn't missed a practice or a game. She was named a 2012 second team “all-division” player by the league's coaches. Presenting the award will be Rick Scherza, son of Chuck Scherza.

Cumberland/Lincoln's goalie Ashley Devolve is this year's Gil Mayer Award winner. Her teammates have referred to Ashley as “Miss Blank” because of her diving acrobatic saves. Besides her academic prowess she has been involved in numerous extra-curricular activities including field hockey, lacrosse, girl scouts, school band. As an accomplished member of the jazz band she has travelled the country extensively for both performances and competitions. Presenting her award will be Andre Mayer, son of Gil Mayer.

Men's Division

In the Men's division LaSalle Academy's Nicholas Migliore has distinguished himself as a four-year defenseman for the Rams. Coach Mike Gaffney stated that Nick's contributions go far beyond the x's and o's and that his influence and leadership over the younger players cannot be overstated. Presenting the award will be Laurie Fletcher, daughter of Ferny Flaman.

The East Greenwich Avenger's Connor Finn is the winner of the 2013 Gil Mayer goalie's award. As captain and four year starter, Connor is also among the top students in this year's graduating class while participating in several sports. Connor co-founded the “Give Back Program” which raises funds for less-fortunate families at holiday times. He also volunteers with Rhode Island Special Olympics. Presenting the award will be Andre Mayer, son of Gil Mayer.

The name Belisle has been synonymous with high school hockey for more than six decades. This year's Chuck Scherza Award as the outstanding forward is Brian Belisle of Mount St. Charles. Brian has distinguished himself as a role model and leader even during a period when he could not play after sustaining a concussion in the first game of the season. After being cleared to practice and play Brian scored seven goals and six assists in Mount's final seven games. Brian was also the state scoring leader and a first team “All State” selection as a junior in 2012. Presenting the award will be Rick Scherza, son of Chuck Scherza.

For further information call 401-230-5905 or e-mail RIREDS15@gmail.com.

R. I. Reds Heritage Society
PO Box 504 Lincoln, RI 02895
Telephone: 401-230-5905
email: RIREDS15@gmail.com