Girls’ Hockey: HS Co-Op Struggles Against Top Goalie

KINGSTON – Using a shutout from goalie Brittney Evangelista, North Smithfield slipped past the Narragansett, South Kingstown and North Kingstown Storm 4-0 on Wednesday night at the Boss Ice Arena at the University of Rhode Island.

Despite the final score, the Storm (2-6-1, 2-6 DeCosta Division) had opportunities against North Smithfield (3-7-1, 3-7-1 DeCosta Division). As the end of the second period, freshman Brooke McGreen had a puck ricochet on to her stick near the blue line.

However, Evangelista stopped her on the breakaway, and stopped 22 other shots by the Storm. The co-op had several good chances in each period, but couldn’t slip a shot past Evangelista, who is generally regarded at the best goalie in the DeCosta Division.

It was one of the most competitive games of the year for the Storm since a season-opening 3-3 tie against the Burrillville and Ponaganset co-op. Since that game, the Storm has mostly faced more established teams – La Salle and Bay View – or Smithfield, a team below them in the development curve.

The Storm is next in action 8 p.m. Friday against the Cranston co-op (2-4-1, 2-4-1 DeCosta Division), another similarly matched team.