Flagg Taylor ’27

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on October 9, 2025

This weekend, Friars men’s hockey returned to the ice with two exhibition games against Simon Fraser University (Friday, Oct. 3) and Quinnipiac University (Sunday, Oct. 5). I was able to catch the Friday opener against SFU, where the Friars won emphatically 7–1. This win was impressive to watch in person, especially without the star Roger McQueen ’29. The Friars moved the puck around the ice beautifully, were physically dominant, and created and then finished chances for goals at an impressive rate. Logan Sawyer ’28 scored about four minutes into the game, but it wasn’t until the second period when the Friars completely took over and dominated the game. Graham Gamache ’27 scored twice in the second, as well as goals from Hudson Malinoski ’27 and Tanner Adams ’27. Will Elger ’28 and Aleksi Kivioja ’28 both added goals in the third period to seal a convincing win. Goalies Phillip Svedeback ’26 and Jack Parsons ’29 both kept clean sheets through their respective stints on the ice. 

For their last test run, the Friars faced off against Quinnipiac University, who came in No. 13 in the NCAA D1 rankings. QU took an early lead, scoring roughly five minutes into the first period. However, not long after Kivioja tied it up for the Friars assisted by Clint Levens ’27. Levens scored later in the period, but the goal was called back by the referees. About eight minutes into the second period, Sawyer put the Friars up 2–1 with a power play goal. Svedeback held strong in goal with 29 saves and McQueen totaled four shots looking promising as the Friars held off QU and won the game 2–1. 

Both these performances have made me extremely excited for the upcoming hockey season. The Friars have the potential to be a Frozen Four team this year with a great mix of new talent and returning players. The Friars were picked second in the Hockey East coaches poll, with three first place votes. U.S. College Hockey Online ranked the Friars seventh nationally while the American Hockey Coaches Association ranked the Friars eighth nationally. These pre-season rankings are based off of recent seasons, returning players, and new players added to the roster. 

On top of new talent coming into the program, the Friars have managed to return five of their six leading scorers from last season. Malinoski, Adams, Gamache, Elger, and John Mustard ’28 all will be returning in Friar uniforms to score many more goals this season. McQueen, the tenth overall pick and highest recruit in school history as well as Julius Sumpf  ’29 highlight the freshman class. Head coach Nate Leaman and his staff have added 11 new players this season, all talented and filling various roles and positions while managing to retain a majority of our goal scoring from last season. Providence students should expect an extremely exciting and successful season from Leaman and the Friars. This roster is overflowing with skill and talent, ready to put on display for the school. Next weekend the Friars will play the University of Michigan back-to-back at home on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11. I highly recommend going to support the boys and watching some great hockey. Friartown could be in for a very special season.