JHS Panthers hockey goalie and senior Aaron Broccoli has been chosen to receive the Hobey Baker High School Character Award, to be presented on March 22.

He was nominated by his coach, David Accetturo. Accetturo started with the team in September.

“The reason I picked Aaron [is] he shows tremendous character, he has good leadership skills, leading by example,” said Accetturo. “And he never misses practice.”

Broccoli has been accepted to the University of Rhode Island, and was still waiting to hear from Providence College – he plans to study international finance.

“He’s a smart kid – part of the award is doing well in school, and he excels in the classroom,” Accetturo said.

Broccoli has been skating since the age of 5, and playing hockey since he learned to skate, according to his mom Rebecca Broccoli. She and her husband Anthony were on hand as Aaron was honored at Senior Night, the last home game for the Johnston High School Panthers hockey team, held on Friday, Feb. 27.

“In four years he became a very good goaltender,” Accetturo said. “Most players take 10 or more years of playing consistent hockey, so to make that leap in four years…”

Broccoli has the second-highest number of saves in the state and the highest number in his division.

Although he ruptured a couple of tendons during the season, “he never let the team know,” said his mom, who was wearing her son’s other jersey at his last home game of the season.

The 43 nominees for the Hobey Baker High School Character Award were recognized at the State House on Thursday, March 12, by both the Senate and the House and also the governor. March 12 was designated “Hobey Baker High School Character Awards Day.”

Gov. Donald Carcieri was also on hand to congratulate each award recipient and presented each with a citation at a reception held in the Governor’s State Room.

The hockey players posed with the governor for photos as parents and family members snapped pictures.

The actual awards will be presented during a Providence Bruins game scheduled for March 22.