Rafe Dionne’s first-period power play goal proved to be the difference as Portsmouth defeated RMT 1-0 in Rhode Island Interscholastic League hockey action Saturday at St. George’s School.

Dionne, a junior defenseman, found the back of the net at the 8:13 mark of the opening period with assists from captain Connor Rogers and Hadrian Dougherty. The goal came during a Portsmouth power play after RMT was whistled for slashing.

The victory marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with the first coming at the injury fund game earlier in the year.

Portsmouth goalie Ben Humm, a sophomore, turned aside all 21 shots he faced to earn the shutout. The Patriots’ defense limited RMT’s scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

RMT netminder Lucas Nicoletti kept his team in the game with an impressive 25-save performance, but the Canes’ offense couldn’t solve Humm.

The loss snaps RMT’s unbeaten start to the season. The Canes entered the game with a 2-0-0 record.

Both teams combined for eight penalties in a physical matchup, with four infractions called on each side.

Photos by Justin Walker

Justin Walker is a Newport County native who specializes in sports, portraits, weddings and events as a freelance photographer around New England. Justin has over a decade of experience starting in college covering high profile events, collegiate and professional sports in Washington, D.C. His photojournalism and freelance work can be seen in various local and national publications. Check out his work at justinlwalkerphotography.com!