Senior Forward Ryan Goulart has been chosen as the Patriots’ 2014 recipient of the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.  Hobey Baker is widely regarded as the first American hockey star.  The foundation that honors his memory annually presents the Hobey Baker Memorial Award to the single most outstanding collegiate hockey player in the United States.  In 2003 the Foundation established the High School Character Award, which was adopted by Rhode Island in 2006.  The award is presented annually to the senior player on each high school hockey team in the State that best exemplifies the Hobey Baker ideal that “Character builds excellence.”  The honor is not intended to recognize the best player on the team, but rather it distinguishes the individual whose integrity and positive attitude, coachability, outstanding sportsmanship, and community spirit stand out among his teammates.  Selections are made by each team’s coach and the recipients are presented with a personalized plaque from the Hobey Baker Foundation in honor of their selection.

As an Honor Roll student playing in his fourth season on the Patriots varsity hockey team,  Ryan embodies the all the characteristics of an ideal high school student-athlete. Throughout the season he has been a regular starter skating on the team’s first line.  He is also a mainstay on the Patriots’ power play and penalty killing squads.  With his team nearly two thirds of the way through the regular season, Ryan’s statistics have already surpassed his previous best year’s performance.  He currently owns the highest plus / minus rating among all the regular players on the team and his production of goals and assists have earned him a share of the second leading scorer spot among all the Portsmouth players.  Those personal successes, though, are only a portion of the reason he has distinguished himself this season.   In what has been a disappointing campaign for the Patriots thus far, Ryan has maintained a positive attitude and focus, both on and off the ice.  He continually gives a hundred percent effort in every practice session and game, while his dedication, drive to improve, and  support for the team have set an unequalled example for all the players on the squad.

Ryan will be honored, along with players receiving the award from other Rhode Island teams, in two special events. The first is an ice-level ceremony at the Providence Bruins game with the Adirondack Phantoms on March 9, at the Dunkin’ Donuts Arena. Game time is 4:05 pm.  In the second event Ryan and the other awardees will be recognized for their accomplishment by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee in a ceremony at the State House in Providence.  The date and time for that event will be announced shortly.

Members of the Patriots hockey team, along with their families, friends, and fans are traditionally encouraged to attend the Providence Bruins game to show their support for the team’s Hobey Baker Award recipient as he is honored between periods.  In addition to the recognition ceremony, everyone gets to see a great hockey game featuring many of the players who will be future stars in the National Hockey League.  Those interested in going to the game should contact Coach Mike Monahan at monahanm@portsmouthshcoolsri.org or by phone at 401-374-8664.  Tickets are $17 each and will be ordered together so the team and its supporters can all sit in the same section.  All orders must be into Coach Monahan no later than Monday, February 24.

For a list of all Portsmouth’s Hobey Baker recipients, as well as links to information about Hobey Baker and the award, please check out the Hobey Baker High School Character Award section of this web site which may be accessed through the menu selection item at the top of this page.