When the RI Hockey Hall of Fame was conceived and established in 2016, work immediately began to thoroughly research Rhode Island’s long and deep hockey history. While the research has often been exhaustive, the wealth of information and detail uncovered has been richly revealing…and there is yet more to uncover and share.
In addition to our annual Hall of Fame selections and enshrinement celebrations, four major objectives were listed in the Hall’s original mission: 1) create a “Virtual Hall of Fame” on the Internet; 2) install a permanent “Wall of Fame” to pay perpetual tribute to our state’s hockey heroes; 3) develop programs to enable more young people to play and enjoy the game; and 4) build a permanent and/or traveling “Museum”.
We’ve mobilized to accomplish and sustain our mission rapidly. On February 22, 2020, the 3rd of those objectives became a reality with the installation and unveiling of the RI Hockey Hall of Fame’s “Wall of Fame” at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence.
The kiosk was made possible thanks to a grant from The Chace Family and individual donations from our state’s passionate hockey community. Because of this, our Hall of Fame was able to design and create a modern, state-of-the-art kiosk installation utilizing the very latest technologies to engage young and old, alike. A goal we happily achieved.
The 4-sided kiosk is located on the north concourse of the Dunk among the grouping of existing kiosks that tell the story of the legendary RI Reds, our state’s original professional franchise.
The new interactive “Wall of Fame” features 2 large and vivid touchscreens on opposite sides of the installation. They display the names and portraits of all Hall of Fame honorees – to be added to with each new class of inductees. Videos re-telling the respective hockey stories and achievements of each are displayed with a simple touch of a name. Because the screens display independently, more than one person can select and interact with different videos at the same time.
The other 2 sides of the kiosk offer a fascinating history lesson. They paint the impressive portrait of our state’s illustrious hockey past in static form. It’s a history that few states can compare with.
Featuring historic photos, the panels chronicle the “Timeline” and “Milestones” of our hockey journey from 1894 though present day. They highlight the many “firsts” we are responsible for in this great game, as well as the landmark individual and team achievements that mark and distinguish our long history on ice.
We invite you to please pay a visit to our “Wall of Fame” and share our remarkable hockey history with others.