Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey
Providence College is home to one of the finest women's ice hockey programs in the country. The Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team has come a long way since its inception in 1974. The team has a rich history, an impressive track record, and plenty of talented players who have made a name for themselves on and off the ice. If you're a fan of women's sports or just curious about the team, keep reading to learn more.
The History of Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey
The Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team was founded in 1974. At that time, women's ice hockey was just starting to gain popularity in the United States. The team began playing competitive games in 1976, and they quickly made a name for themselves in the college hockey world.
Over the years, the team has gone through several coaching changes, but they have always maintained a high level of success. The most successful period for the team came in the 2010s when Coach Bob Deraney led the team to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2010-2014. The team has also won three Hockey East championships (2003, 2004, and 2017) and has produced several All-Americans and Olympians.
The Achievements of Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey
The Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team has had an impressive track record over the years. Here are some of the team's most notable achievements:
- Three Hockey East championships (2003, 2004, and 2017)
- Five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2010-2014)
- Numerous individual awards, including All-American honors and Hockey East Player of the Year awards
- Several players who have gone on to play for the U.S. Women's National Team or in the Olympics
The team's most successful season to date was in 2010-2011 when they finished with a record of 26-9-1 and made it to the NCAA Frozen Four. That year, they were led by seniors Laura Veharanta, Alyse Ruff, and Jean O'Neill, all of whom were named All-Americans.
The Current State of Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey
The Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team is currently coached by Matt Kelly, who took over the program in 2018. Since then, Kelly has led the team to two winning seasons and a trip to the Hockey East semifinals in 2019-2020.
The team's current roster is full of talented players from all over the country and the world. Some of the most notable players on the team include:
- Sara Hjalmarsson, a junior forward from Sweden who led the team in scoring in 2019-2020
- Sandra Abstreiter, a sophomore goaltender from Germany who had an impressive .929 save percentage in her freshman season
- Hayley Lunny, a senior forward from Canada who was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team in 2019-2020
The team is looking forward to the upcoming season and hopes to continue their winning ways. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the future looks bright for the Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team.
The Future of Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey
The future of the Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team looks bright. With a strong coaching staff, dedicated players, and a commitment to winning, the team is poised for continued success.
The team is also committed to helping its players succeed both on and off the ice. Many of the team's players have gone on to successful careers after graduation, whether in hockey or other fields. The team's commitment to academic excellence and community service has also helped to establish a strong reputation for the program.
If you're a fan of women's ice hockey or just looking for a team to root for, be sure to keep an eye on the Providence Friars Women's Ice Hockey team. With a rich history, an impressive track record, and a bright future ahead, this team is sure to continue making waves in the world of college hockey.