The Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame will host a first-ever High School All-Star Showcase at Schneider Arena, on the campus of Providence College, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m.

The aim of the event is to display the talents of the state's best boys and girls high school ice hockey players, said Vincent Cimini, founding chairman of the RI Hall of Fame, who added, “Part of the Hall’s mission is to grow the game of ice hockey in our state and give every player the opportunity to continue to play, improve and enjoy the game for as long as possible.

The showcase will allow all who love the game the unique opportunity to witness some of the most talented young players in the country display their impressive skills. Also, the games will provide players with the platform to perhaps move their careers forward gaining access to college opportunities.

The showcase will include two games - one for the girls starting at 6 p.m. and one for the boys starting at 8 p.m. – each featuring two 20-player teams playing games consisting of two 25-minute periods.

Each Interscholastic League hockey coach has been tasked with selecting their best two players, regardless of age or class, to participate in the Showcase. Additionally, the coaches will carefully construct each team’s lineup to help assure a balanced competition.

Sean McNamara, coach of the LaSalle Academy girl’s team, HOF Board member and games coordinator for the showcase, said, "This is a first-time opportunity for Rhode Island high school hockey fans to watch some of the best male and female student-athletes competing in the same venue, on the same night. Additionally, we are thrilled to offer players the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in front of college coaches in a fast, competitive contest against their peers."

The 80 players will wear RI Hockey Hall of Fame All-Star jerseys designed specifically for the showcase. Hall of Famers, NHLers, Olympians, All-Americans and local legends expected to be in attendance include Paul Guay, Tom Mellor, Digit Murphy, Sara DeCosta, Vicki Movsessian, Erika Silva and David Belisle. Todd Angilly, a Warwick native and Boston Bruins anthem singer, will open the evening festivities.

Admission to the showcase is $5, and youth league players of all levels and abilities wearing their youth league jersey will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. For more information visit www.RIHHOF.com.