2016 stories of the year

1. Acciari makes NHL debut with Bruins

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Johnston native Noel Acciari became just the 20th Rhode Islander to play in the National Hockey League when he made his debut for his hometown team, the Boston Bruins, on March 1 against the Calgary Flames.

The former Hendricken All-Stater signed a two-year deal with the Bruins after leading the Providence College men’s hockey team to its first national title in school history in 2015.

Acciari played 19 games with Boston last season after lacing up for 45 games with the Providence Bruins, totaling 19 points at the American Hockey League level.

He has also played 19 games with Boston this season, compiling 38 games, three assists and 12 penalty minutes with the NHL club over the calendar year.

Acciari was recently sent back down to Providence, where he has two assists over a four-game span.

His ability to break into the NHL ranks, with his hometown team no less, was undoubtedly the top sports story of the year in Johnston.

- Matt Metcalf

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