PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame has announced East Providence’s Ron Wilson as one of 16 Rhode Island greats to be enshrined in its charter class during a ceremony on …
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PROVIDENCE — The Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame has announced East Providence’s Ron Wilson as one of 16 Rhode Island greats to be enshrined in its charter class during a ceremony on September 20 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln.
The names and official portraits of all inductees were unveiled March 4 between periods of the AHL game between the P-Bruins and Springfield at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in downtown Providence.
Typically, Hall of Fame classes are highlighted by a select few who stand out. However, according to R.I. Hockey Hall of Fame chairman, Vincent Cimini, “Each, like Ron Wilson, deserves the spotlight. This is the ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Rhode Island hockey."
He continued, “Our charter class is comprised of 11 who have represented the USA in World Championships, including eight in the Olympics. Ten have previously been enshrined in the International, USA and AHL Hockey Halls of Fame. Three have their names engraved on the NHL’s Stanley Cup and many have set records that still stand in the sport. Most of all, as players and as pillars of the game, they each represent the very best of our state’s rich and illustrious hockey heritage.”
Wison’s credentials locally, nationally and globally are impressive. Born in Winsor, Ontario, he moved to East Providence at age 12 when his father, Larry, took over the coaching reigns of Rhode Island Reds.
Wilson became a three-time All-Stater at East Providence High School under legendary coach Joe Sprague. He later was a two-time All-American at Providence College and the nation’s leading scorer in 1974 en route to becoming the Friar’s all-time leading scorer with 250 career points. After a 12-year NHL and European career, he coached four NHL teams to 648 wins, the most ever by an American coach. He was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.
Other charter class inductees are: Bill Belisle, Curt Bennett, Harvey Bennett, Sr., Bryan Berard, Keith Carney, Joe Cavanagh, Sara DeCosta-Hayes, Cammi Granato, Lou Lamoriello, Brian Lawton, Louis A.R. Pieri, Dick Rondeau, Mathieu Schneider, Chris Terreri, and Zellio Toppazzini.
Complete bios on all inductees can be viewed at RIHHOF.com. Tickets for the September 20 Enshrinement Celebration & Dinner at the Twin River Event Center are on sale now also at Hall of Fame website.