RI Hockey Hall of Fame will induct 5 hockey greats. Who are they?

PROVIDENCE — Five more hockey greats with Ocean State ties joined the RI Hockey Hall of Fame, as its “Class of 2024” on Friday night. The names were unveiled between periods of the Providence Bruins-Hershey Bears “Hall of Fame Game” at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.

“With each passing year, the announcement of our newest class of Hall of Fame inductees rekindles memories and adds testimony to the illustrious history of hockey in Rhode Island and our contributions to the game,” said Hall chairman, Vincent Cimini.

“We look forward to the formal enshrinement of this new class in August,” he added, “and showcasing their inspirational careers for present and future generations through our HOF website, our interactive kiosk at the AMP, and our future Museum.”

The Class of 2024 inductees-elect are:

Joe Augustine

This former Boston College standout and NHL and WHA draftee starred for the AHL’s Springfield Indians before launching a 41-year coaching career in Rhode Island. In 1989, he took the helm of the URI hockey program. His 708th win this year became the most all time by any URI coach, while recording 32 winning seasons and capturing the 2006 ACHA National Championship along the way.

Bill Bennett

Born and raised in Cranston, Bennett played for the NHL’s Hartford Whalers and Boston Bruins after terrorizing AHL opponents with his size and goal-scoring ability with the Rochester Americans. A regular at Boston Bruins Alumni charity games, he continues to teach the skills of the game at the Bennett Hockey Clinics first established by his father, Harvey, in the 1950s. He is the fourth member of his family to be inducted into the Hall.

Vicki Movsessian-Lamoriello

For several decades, this visionary honoree has been a catalyst in the incredible rise of women’s hockey in Rhode Island and the nation. She earned All-ECAC honors three times at Providence College and also represented the USA in world play three times, capturing Olympic Gold in 1998. She founded the all-girls MA Spitfires program and later teamed with close friend Sara DeCosta to establish the RI Sting All-Girls Hockey Club in 2010.

Tim Regan

A three-time All-Stater at LaSalle Academy, this legendary goaltender was named to The Providence Journal’s All-Time High School Hockey Team. A USA Olympian and All-American at Boston University, he led the Terriers to two consecutive NCAA national championships while earning MVP finals honors in 1972. Drafted by the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, he starred in the AHL with the Hershey Bears.

Chuck Scherza

This former New York Ranger and Boston Bruin became a legendary name in Providence Reds and RI hockey history. A fan favorite for 10 seasons, this five-time team captain ranks second all-time in games played and fourth all-time in points scored in Reds history. After retirement, this longtime Pawtucket resident spent four decades giving back as a dedicated teacher of the game and a revered high school and college referee.

Induction ceremonies for the “Class of 2024” are scheduled for Aug. 17 at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston. Tickets are available at RIHHOF.com.