Coach opposes North Smithfield's push to leave BVS hockey co-op

Blackstone Valley Schools Hockey might be undergoing change. The North Smithfield portion of the St. Raphael, Providence Country Day, North Providence and North Smithfield co-op is allegedly trying to join the Burrillville/Ponaganset team for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Burrillville and Ponaganset entered into a co-op this past season and could remain partners by themselves without North Smithfield. The potential split comes despite the contention expressed by North Smithfield students, parents and head coach Chris Librizzi that it would be detrimental to the returning players who experienced the shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Feb.

16 . An email and voicemail left for North Smithfield athletic director Robert McAnulty were not returned. The next North Smithfield School Committee meeting is scheduled for May 19, according to the town website.

“Here we are in the state of trying to heal these kids and move them forward in the healing process so that they can recover together,” Librizzi said during a phone conversation on Tuesday. “Sticks together, stronger forever has been our motto and now this is going to set them back. “The freshmen should ride out the next three years with the same team and the same coach to heal.