Previewing the Providence College Friars

In what might be the biggest weekend series in a long time for the Providence Friars, the Eagles will look to make this a big weekend of their own as they look to help solidify their spot in the NCAA tournament and a home ice spot in Hockey East. As of today, the Eagles and Friars are both tied for first place with 28 points so far this season. They've met just once this year, a game in which PC shocked the Eagles with a game tying goal with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. Throughout that game, I thought BC was the better team and got the majority of the scoring chances but Providence goalie Jon Gilles stood on his head for a lot that game, preventing BC from getting a 3 or 4 goal lead. As you probably know by now, BC will be without forward Kevin Hayes who was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery during the second period of BC's game on Tuesday night. BC isn't going to be the only team shorthanded tonight though as the Friars will be missing third leading scorer Shane Luke, probably their best defenseman in Myles Harvey, and forward Steve McParland. I said it earlier this week and i'll say it again. This is without a doubt the biggest game of the season for the Eagles. They played well at times on Tuesday night but made too many mistakes. They got back to turning the puck over, not back-checking, and taking way to many penalties in critical situations. Tonight, I hope to see a BC team that plays solid in both ends, gets more power plays than it gives up, and plays hard for a full 60 minutes. I'd say the Eagles played well for 40/45 minutes during Tuesday's game but when you're playing a team like Lowell or in the case Providence, they can really make you pay for not playing a full 60.

Let me make this short and sweet. BC has got to find a way to come out with two points tonight. I don't care if they win 10-1 or they win with a second left in overtime. They have to win this game. No ties. Two points or nothing. When I look at Providence, I consider them to be a team that plays a similar style to that of Merrimack and Lowell. All three of these teams play a boring, clog it up and dump it in style of hockey. BC handled it well for the most part vs Merrimack but they struggled creating lots of scoring chances for some of the game vs Lowell. I don't know if the staff is going to change the lines or anything but I would think that guys like Johnny G, Steven Whitney, Bill Arnold, and Pat Mullane will get a lot more playing time. If I had to guess, I would say this game has a better chance of being a low scoring one than it does a high scoring one. Both teams have real solid goaltenders that have ability to steal a couple away points for their clubs (such as Gilles did last time out vs BC).

Scouting the Friars-

Pairwise Rank-25th

Hockey East- Tied for 1st

Leading Scorers- Derek Army (13-9-22), Ross Mauermann (10-10-20) , Tim Schaller (6-13-19)

Best Wins- @ UNH, vs UNH

Worst Loss- @ Vermont

All time Series- BC leads 106-45-13

Keys for the Eagles-

1. Getting off to a good start. It would be a bit of a buzz kill for the Eagles to see Providence score the first goal. BC has got to find a way to got a one or two goal lead through a period of play.

2. Staying out of the box. Over the course of their last 4 games, BC has given their opponents a total of 24 power plays. In return, the Eagles have had 10.

3. Not having any bad mental lapses. The winning goal for Lowell on Tuesday was the perfect example of a mental lapse. The Eagles have numbers but only one guy stays back for the Lowell odd man rush. Not to mention nobody back-checked.

Go Eagles !

 Previewing the Providence College Friars: A Comprehensive Look

The Providence College Friars have long been a force to be reckoned with in collegiate sports. Known for their rich athletic tradition and competitive spirit, the Friars consistently make their presence felt in various sports, including ice hockey, basketball, and soccer. In this article, we will provide an in-depth preview of the Providence College Friars, exploring their athletic programs, notable achievements, key players to watch, and frequently asked questions to offer a comprehensive understanding of this esteemed institution's sports landscape.

I. Athletic Programs at Providence College

Providence College boasts a diverse range of athletic programs that cater to a variety of sports enthusiasts. Some of the prominent sports offered include:

Ice Hockey: The Friars' ice hockey program has gained national recognition, competing in the NCAA's Hockey East conference and regularly contending for championships.

Basketball: The men's and women's basketball teams have a storied history, with both programs participating in Division I competition and having made significant postseason appearances.

Soccer: Providence College's soccer teams, both men's and women's, have excelled in NCAA competition, with strong showings in the Big East Conference.

Cross Country and Track and Field: The Friars have a tradition of success in distance running, with athletes competing at the highest levels of collegiate and international competition.

II. Notable Achievements

The Providence College Friars have achieved numerous milestones and accolades throughout their storied history:

National Championships: The men's ice hockey team captured the NCAA national championship in 2015, marking a historic achievement for the program.

Conference Titles: The Friars have secured multiple conference championships in various sports, illustrating their competitiveness in collegiate athletics.

NCAA Tournament Appearances: Several Friars teams regularly qualify for NCAA tournaments, showcasing their consistency and competitiveness.

III. Key Players to Watch

As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, here are some key players to keep an eye on across different sports:

Men's Ice Hockey: The Friars' men's ice hockey team has a tradition of producing NHL talent. Watch for emerging stars who could make an impact at the collegiate level and beyond.

Basketball: Look out for standout players who can make a difference on the court, both in scoring and playmaking.

Soccer: Providence College's soccer programs often feature talented student-athletes who excel in both offensive and defensive roles.

Cross Country and Track and Field: The Friars have a history of producing elite distance runners. Keep an eye on athletes who might break records and earn national recognition.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the significance of the Friars' mascot and team name?

The name "Friars" reflects the institution's affiliation with the Dominican Order of the Roman Catholic Church, a significant aspect of Providence College's history and identity.

How can fans support Providence College athletics and attend games?

Fans can support the Friars by attending games, purchasing team merchandise, and following the teams on social media for updates and schedules.

Are there opportunities for student-athletes to excel academically at Providence College?

Yes, Providence College emphasizes the importance of both academic and athletic excellence, providing resources and support to help student-athletes succeed in their studies.

What is the outlook for the Friars in their respective conferences and NCAA competitions?

The Friars continue to compete at a high level in their conferences, and the outlook remains positive as they strive for success in NCAA competitions.

V. Conclusion

The Providence College Friars epitomize the spirit of collegiate athletics, combining dedication to sports excellence with a commitment to academic achievement. Their storied history and tradition of success have made them a respected institution in the world of collegiate sports.

As we look forward to the upcoming seasons, we anticipate witnessing more thrilling moments and remarkable achievements from the Friars. Whether it's on the ice, the court, the field, or the track, Providence College's athletic programs continue to inspire and captivate fans, solidifying their place in the rich tapestry of college sports.