“Success in life, much like success in hockey, demands more than skill alone. It demands a positive attitude, an excellent work ethic, and a will to succeed, no matter how hard it can be.”(Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation). Each year, a single senior hockey player is chosen from each participating school by their coach to be honored by their colleagues and celebrated by their communities for outstanding performance both on and off the ice.

This year, Coach Nabb chose senior Reilly Damm as the NKHS recipient. Damm is one of the three captains of the hockey team this year, and is greatly respected by all his peers. This season he has scored 11 goals and has had 6 assists. The hockey team’s record is 5-10.

In 2003, the Hobey Baker Foundation established the Hobey Baker Award in order to honor high school hockey players that exemplify the Hobey Baker ideal of “Character Builds Excellence.” Candidates for the Hobey Baker Award are selected based on the following criteria: integrity and positive attitude, coachability, outstanding sportsmanship, and community spirit. Damm is an avid example of these extraordinary traits.

Damm said, “I am honored to have been selected as one of the few players in the state to receive this award. I am thankful that Coach Nabb selected me, because I am able to to represent myself and North Kingstown Hockey on a statewide stage.”

Reilly has been playing hockey since he was four-years-old. “I have never gone a full year without playing hockey,” Damm said. He has been playing for 14 consecutive years, and has dedicated countless 3 am mornings to practice.

“My favorite part of being captain for the hockey team is being able to set a good example and have players look up to me for advice. I also enjoy representing the kids that work hard to get where they are, allowing me to reflect them positively.” Damm will continue to lead his team throughout the rest of the hockey season and playoffs. He will also be a captain and leader of the North Kingstown varsity lacrosse team this spring season.

One of Damm’s peers, Chris George said that he is proud of his teammate and friend for receiving this award. “I am proud of Reilly for getting this award, he is my best friend and no one deserves it more than him. He is the hardest worker on team and cares more about hockey than anyone else,” George said. “As a fellow captain it’s easy to see how much time and effort he puts into winning, and he is the best leader on the team.”

On Mar. 6, Damm was recognized at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center during a Providence Bruins game. He was on the P-Bruins bench and was on the center-ice video scoreboard during the first intermission, along with the other recipients from each RI high school hockey program.