Mar
11

Green Knights Celebrate Class of 2016

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Last Saturday March 5th, the Knights celebrated their 5 seniors. With much effort of the underclassmen the night was a huge success.With much accomplished so far this class is not done yet, as they prepare and head to regionals and look to qualify onto nationals later in the month.

Kristina Bellomo – Kristina came to us last year from Rutland HS. Kristina is the ultimate playmaker on the team. She wants the puck on her stick as much as possible which feeds in well to our puck possession style of play. She is very vocal on the ice, off the ice, in the locker room, on the team bus, in the team hotels…pretty much everywhere. Her team mates rely on her to keep the bench and the environment positive even when we are down. A true motivator in that regard. Kristina has a very strong passion for winning and is willing to back that up with working hard and competing every shift. Kristina is headed to Lake Forest College in Chicago next year and will play for the Foresters. Congratulations Kristina!

Kristina is joined tonight by her parents, Tracy and Kevin.

Mikayla Butkus – Mikayla is our other four year player for Rice. Mikayla has anchored our defensive core this year lending her experience and maturity to the game helping develop our younger defensive players. She is one of our nicest skaters and skilled players on our roster. Mikayla always seems to be under control no matter the situation. She is consistent in our end and contributes offensively as well. Mikayla is well liked by all and puts her best foot forward always leading with that killer smile. Mikayla wishes to pursue Athletic Training and playing hockey in college but undecided at this time where that will be. Good luck Mikayla!

Mikayla is joined tonight by her parents Lisa and Craig, siblings Kaitlyn and Noah.

Kaley Campbell – Kaley came to us a sophomore from Colchester HS. Kaley is a second year captain and proven leader with her focus and determination on the ice. Kaley is known for her vision on the ice, ability to get many shots on goal, and of course team bus ride mad rap skills. She is also known for her willingness to sacrifice herself in order to make the big play whether offensively or defensively. Kaley leads the team to date in scoring with 20 goals on the season. Kaley is committed to playing at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester NH next year. Congratulations Kaley!

Kaley is joined tonight by her parents Anne and Matt and sister Lexie who came all the way from Florida!

Jillian Gibbs – Jillian has been with us since her freshman year. This senior captain and forward has been a consistent points’ contributor all four years. Jillian is quite well known for her shot and willingness to take it whenever she has a chance. She is strong well respected captain and leader of this team. Jillian is serious when she needs to be and can keep things light when appropriate. Her team mates do enjoy her outgoing personality and some jealous of her dance moves…she is quick to point out. Jillian is going to Endicott College next year and will be playing for the Gulls. Congratulation Jillian!

Jillian is joined tonight by her parents Lisa and Scott and her siblings Brittany and Scott and brother in law Steve.

Whitney Padgett – Whitney came to us for her senior year from Eden Prairie Minnesota. We have been lucky to have Whit this year as her contribution to our success has been significant. The bottom line is that she is a gamer…the bigger the opponent, the bigger she plays. Whitney’s incredible reflex second shot recovery saves are amazingly quick. She has developed her mental game this season learning how to channel her focus to herself and the puck. She is a true competitor. Whitney has the gift of gab like most Minnesota people we know. Her team mates admire her for her ability to forget or lose pretty much anything. But Whit always finds her way to the rink. Whitney is sorting out her options where she will play college hockey next year and is undecided at this time. Good luck Whit!

Lastly, we wanted to announce and congratulate our PG Amanda Conger for her commitment to St. Anselm’s College.

Congratulations to all of you young ladies for your amazing careers at Rice. We are all very proud of you for your accomplishments both with the Prep Hockey Team and in the classroom at Rice Memorial High School.