West Warwick high school hockey player, victim of DUI crash, passes away

Rhode Island's biggest hockey stage honors the life and legacy of the team captain.

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE)- Matthew Dennison, captain of the West Warwick-Exeter-West Greenwich hockey team, has passed away from injuries sustained in an accident.

Matthew and his teammate Kevin were both hit by a drunk driver in Exeter in February.

Superintendent Karen Tarasevich sent a letter to community members Thursday night,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart we share the tragic news of the passing of WWHS senior Matthew Dennison.  Matt was a beloved member of the West Warwick High School community and captain of the WW/EWG hockey team. We hold Matt close to our hearts as we remember him as a wonderful young man who will forever be part of our WWPS community.  His strong character, leadership, friendship and kindness will be greatly missed, as so many were touched by his presence at WWHS.  Please join us in sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

Superintendent Tarasevich also explained that the high school will have guidance counselors and social workers available for students and staff on Friday.

The life and legacy of Matt Dennison was honored during the Division I State Hockey Championship between East Greenwich and Bishop Hendricken Friday evening with a moment of silence at Schneider Arena.

“We didn’t have any real association with the school or their team really but we are still in the same community as them,” said Giordan Gulati, player on the East Greenwich Hockey Team.

Before the matchup, orange lights illuminated the ice in honor of Dennison and his team.

Gulati continued, “It’s really amazing what a sport can do because at the end of the day it’s more than a sport.. we’re one big family, community, and when something tragic like this happens we’re able to come together as one.”

A moment of silence began the state matchup, in 15 seconds that transcended sport.

“Your first though is your kid, like it could be your kid,” said Providence Hockey Club U16 Coach Robert Finelli. “It’s just a heartbreaking thing, that family will be supported whatever they need, whenever they need it.”