59 Teams in 59 Days Providence

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues with a trip to the capital city of Rhode Island, Providence where today the Providence College Friars are featured.

Last season first year head coach Tim Army and his crew were predicted to finish eighth in Hockey East. He took those expectations and smashed them as the Friars finished fifth in Hockey East.

The leading scorer from last year Torry Gadja, is gone, however, the Friars return four out of their top five scorers from last years team. Junior Jon Rheault, the teams leading goal scorer returns, as well as Senior Chase Watson, the teams leading assist man. Senior Colin McDonald, and Sophomore defensemne Cody Wild wind up the top four leading returning scorers.

The teams captain last year Tony Zancanaro also returns. At 5"6, Zancanro is known for his speed. What you might not know is that he is also known for his defense. Expect him to be a big factor as a defensive forward this year.

Defensively, the Friars only loss is James Pemberton. Five return and one spot is left to fill. Cody Wild, Dinos Stamoulis, Matt Taormina, Mark Bastarche, and Trevor Ludwig, all should have spots on the team, the other defensive spot will be fought out between Mark Mulhern, Austin Miller, and incoming Freshman Dave Cavanagh.

In goal the Friars are set with Tyler Sims who will start between the pipes. As a sophomore last year, Sims was one of the better goaltenders in Hockey East. He went 17-14-2 with a 2.32 goals against average while recording three shutouts. Expect Sims to have another solid season between the pipes as there quest for an NCAA berth is on Sims' shoulder.

Overall Providence should be a very solid team this year. Right now they would be a bubble team, but the Friars can easily become a team back on the rise.

The predicted ceiling for the Friars is third in Hockey East, while their gutter is sixth.

Tommorrow the Quinnipiacf Bobcats will be featured as the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour hits day number 47.