by Andrew Vines ’29 on October 8, 2026

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Sports Debates

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by Evan Jones '30 on October 8, 2026

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NHL

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For the past 20 years, the NHL has been defined by the same two superstars. Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin have been at the center of the league since they entered in 2005, but now, as the new season begins, a new generation of stars are starting to build a legacy of their own. Ovechkin and Crosby have spent their entire careers competing at the highest level. Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, while Crosby has established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the league. Together, they have won multiple Stanley Cups, scoring titles, and numerous Hart Trophies, which are MVP awards, establishing themselves as two of the most recognizable players the sport has ever seen. While these two players are still producing, their careers are getting closer to the end, and in just a few seasons, we could soon see them both retire. With that, the NHL is starting to look toward the younger stars who could become the next faces of the league. One of those players is Macklin Celebrini. At just 20 years old, the former first overall pick is coming off a breakout sophomore season, recording 115 points with 45 goals and 70 assists. Celebrini’s combination of scoring ability and leadership could make him one of the most complete young players in the league. Celebrini became the youngest captain in San Jose Sharks history this offseason, showing just how quickly he has made an impact and become a leader on San Jose’s young team. Connor Bedard is another young star looking to take the next step in his career. After being selected first overall in 2023, Bedard has already become one of the most important players on the Chicago Blackhawks. His biggest strength is his ability to affect the offense, whether it be through his shot, passing, or playmaking. He recorded 75 points last season, showing how much of an impact he can have on the game whenever he is on the ice. And then there is Gavin McKenna, the newest star in the NHL. McKenna was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft, and he has already made his debut in the NHL, skipping the usual years in the minors that some players go through. At 18 years old, McKenna is entering one of the biggest hockey markets in the world, with a lot of expectations surrounding him. His early performances have given Maple Leaf fans plenty of reasons to be excited about what is ahead. Hayley Wickenheiser, Toronto’s assistant general manager, has seen him up close and believes his hockey IQ separates him from other young players. “His IQ is off the charts… Obviously it’s clear to everyone in the building he’s a really good player,” Wickenheiser said. For the first time in nearly two decades, the NHL is preparing for a league without Ovechkin and Crosby at the center of it. As their careers begin to wind down, new players like Celebrini, Bedard, and McKenna are ready to take their place and make history. The old guard built the NHL. Now, the next generation gets to take over.

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on October 1, 2026

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Men's Ice Hockey

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Nate Leaman enters his 16th season as the Friars’ head coach off the back of one of his most successful seasons during the 2025–26 season. The team finished with an overall record of 23–11–2, winning the Hockey East regular season title. This season, the Friars were picked ninth nationally in the USCHO national preseason poll. Providence was also voted to top Hockey East again this season in the coach’s poll with eight votes. UMass Amherst was picked second with one vote for first, Boston University was picked third with two votes for first, and Boston College and the University of Connecticut round out the preseason top five.  

For the 2026–27 season, Providence returns eight of its top ten point leaders from last season. The team only lost Roger McQueen ’29 to the Anaheim Ducks and Hudson Malinoski ’27 to the University of North Dakota. Aside from these two players, all other main scorers return to the Friars. John Mustard ’28 (No. 21), led the team in points last year with 17 goals and 12 assists. Returning with him is Logan Sawyer ’28 (No. 34), who was right behind Mustard with 14 goals and 14 assists in the 2025–26 season.  

Other notable returners include Tanner Adams ’27 (No. 19), Will Elger ’28 (No. 15), Julius Sumpf ’29 (No. 26), Aleksi Kivioja ’28 (No. 14), and Graham Gamache ’27 (No. 11). Providence should have a high-scoring, electric offense this season.  

Also returning is last year’s freshman phenom goalkeeper, Jack Parsons ’29 (No. 30). The sophomore will be the Friars’ main goalie after making the All-Hockey East Freshman team in the 2025–26 season. Last season, Parsons had a 13–5 record while recording 438 saves with a 92.2 save percentage. Parsons will be a brick wall in the net this season.  

Parsons was selected 133rd overall in the fifth round of the NHL draft to the Winnipeg Jets this summer. Freshman forward Ryder Cali ’30 (No. 13),  was selected 48th overall in the second round of the draft to the Florida Panthers. Two other freshman forwards, Blake Zielinski ’30 (No. 12) and Thomas Vandenberg ’30 (No. 37), were selected 80th and 103rd, respectively, by the Los Angeles Kings.  

These four combine with six other returning Friars to make 10 total NHL draft selections on the 2026–27 roster. The other six include the likes of Mustard (Chicago Blackhawks, 67^th pick in 2024), Sawyer (Montreal Canadians, 78^th pick in 2024), and Sumpf  (Chicago Blackhawks, 98^th pick in 2025).  

Providence’s first showing will come on Friday, Oct. 2, in an exhibition game against Stonehill at Schneider Arena. The official season kicks off a week later at Schneider against St. Lawrence on Friday Oct. 9. The Friars will play rivals UMass away on Thursday, Nov. 19, then home Saturday, Nov. 21. Providence will play its Boston rivals, BU and BC, in back to back weekends in January.  

Providence students and everyone else in the Providence community should be very excited for the upcoming season. There are high expectations for Coach Leaman and his boys, but the team undoubtedly has the talent to win the Hockey East regular season again and make even deeper runs in the Hockey East and NCAA tournaments. 

by Emilia Farrell ‘28 on October 1, 2026

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Uncategorized

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Providence College women’s ice hockey welcomes Nicole Norton as their interim head coach for the 2026–27 season. Although Norton is new to the head coaching role, she is not new to this Friars team; this will be her sixth season with them. In her first four seasons, she worked with the team’s defense and then switched to work with the offense last season. In her role coaching offense, Norton was instrumental in developing three players who produced over 20 points in the season: Reichen Kirchmair ’26, Audrey Knapp ’27, and Jessie Pellerin ’28. Kirchmair had over 100 career points, with 55 goals and 45 assists in her 141 collegiate games.

Prior to her time at Providence, Norton graduated from Syracuse University  in 2016, where she played in 145 games during her collegiate career. She was assistant captain during her junior and senior seasons. Norton was also named CHA Defenseman of the Year as a senior. After her graduation from Syracuse, she continued to play ice hockey in the European Women’s Hockey League, where she played for the EV Bozen 84 Eagles and helped the team win the regular season and playoff championship. Following her time in Europe, she spent two years as the assistant coach of the Division III Nichols College, where she helped the team set a record for program wins in a season. Then, Norton transitioned to the Division I scene, where she served as the assistant coach of the Long Island University women’s program, including during its inaugural season in 2019–20.

One of Norton’s key assets is that she was recently a player herself. She knows the collegiate athlete experience just as much as her players do and is not that far removed from her own experience. Due to her vast experience, Norton will be able to foster a positive culture and relationships amongst her players. Her previous coaching experience, specifically at Providence, has led Norton and the team to this moment, and Friar fans alike can’t wait to see them back in action in their first game against Sacred Heart on Sept. 25.

by Dorothée Durivage ’28 on October 1, 2026

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Sports Shorts

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Men’s Soccer 

Providence College’s men’s soccer team was only able to play one of the two games it had scheduled for the week, with the Big East home-opening game planned for Saturday, Sept. 26, postponed due to weather. The Friars took on rivals from across town on Tuesday, Sept. 22, in a game against the Brown University Bears on Chapey Field. Providence won the match 2–1, with both goals scored in the second half and assisted by Vasco Teixeira ’28 and Angelo Ventrella ’29. The first goal was scored by Brian Garrepy ’28, his sixth of the season, and the second goal was scored by Sam Montalto ’26 ’27G, his third this season.  

Women’s Hockey 

Providence College’s women’s ice hockey team took on Sacred Heart University on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, in Schneider Arena. The weekend ended in a sweep for the Friars, winning 4–2 on Friday and 3–0 on Saturday. Hanna Olson ’29 scored during the first game of the season for Providence, assisted by Cali Cerruti ’28 and Kiara Kraft ’27. Friday’s remaining goals were scored by Elizabeth Janovski and Grace Van Volson ’30, who scored Providence’s third and fourth goals. As for Saturday’s game, Elizabeth Janovski ’30 and Grace Van Volson kept the momentum from Friday going, with the final goal scored by Audrey Knapp ’27. 

Field Hockey 

Providence College’s field hockey team traveled to Washington, D.C., this past Friday to play against Georgetown University. The Friars won 1–0, with the goal scored by Carly van Benten ’27 and assisted by Ariana Ftorek ’29. This goal was Benten’s fifth of the season and Ftorek’s second assist. This brings Providence’s record to 7–2 overall and 2–0 in the Big East, with an average of 3.33 goals per game while only letting in an average of 1.22 goals from the opponent. The Friars’ next game is their pink-out home game on Oct. 2 against the University of Connecticut to start off Homecoming weekend. 

Women’s Volleyball 

Providence College’s volleyball team played two home games this past week, the first one against DePaul University on Sept. 25 and the second against Marquette University on Sept. 26. The Friars took on the Blue Demons for the Big East home opener and lost 0–3. Against the Golden Eagles, the Friars also lost 0–3, bringing their record to 8–5 overall and 0–2 in the Big East. Providence College will be away for both games next week, playing at Villanova University on Oct. 2 and in Washington, D.C., against Georgetown University on Oct. 3. They will be back at Alumni Hall on Oct. 9 against Seton Hall.

by Lily Andersen '30 on October 1, 2026

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Sports

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The next big question for the Boston Bruins organization: who will get the C? The Bruins went the entire 2025–26 season without a captain. David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm were alternating captains for the year. However, this year someone will be given the title before the first regular season game on Sept. 29. The legacy of the Bruins organization has some of the greatest players and leaders in hockey. Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Ray Bourque are a few notable players from the list that had a remarkable impact on the league. The Bruins are looking to continue their legacy as General Manager Don Sweeney considers the team’s newest captain for the upcoming season. According to Boston.com, Sweeney states that the newest captain will be announced soon, and the decision that will be made took a lot of thought and consideration. “We are going to announce a captain this year, and we will do that before opening night, so nobody has to ask who it is or what not,” Sweeney said. “We’ve spent a lot of time and we understand the legacy of our organization and we want to do it the right way. But we’ve made it perfectly clear that we’ll be doing that before the season starts.” The two most notable contenders are McAvoy and Pastrnak. Both players have been a part of the organization since the start of their NHL careers, and have demonstrated leadership and great skill over the years. Jon Hines ’29, a Providence College sophomore from Kennebunk, Maine, firmly believes that McAvoy should be given captaincy because of his skill and compassion for the team. “I think that Charlie McAvoy is going to be the best fit for captain next year because he is one of the best defensemen in the NHL,” he said. “He’s one of the best players on the Bruins. Not only that, he really takes pride out on the ice, and he would take a bullet for the team and he really just has the most fight in him out of all of the options.” Yahoo Sports ranked Charlie McAvoy 11th in the league for defensemen, proving his high skill level. Last season, McAvoy took a slap shot to the face, which caused a severe linear jaw fracture, and led to him losing his four front teeth. After just a month of recovery, he returned to the ice, playing with a protective cage and metal hardware in his jaw. Christian Ketchel ’30, a PC freshman, has a completely opposing view to Hines, believing that Pastrnak is the best fit because of his mentality and strong performance last season. “What really makes me believe he is ready for captaincy was his leadership and performance during last year’s first-round playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres,” he said. “To me, that series demonstrated his don’t-quit mentality to the whole team, and seeing him score an overtime goal in game five proved that he was definitely not going to quit even though they were down 3–1.” Both McAvoy and Pastrnak have equally great leadership and work ethic. Sooner rather than later, the evening of Sept. 29 will determine the Bruins’ future.

by Greg Lahr ’26 on April 16, 2026

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Sports - Professional

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The NHL Playoff race is heating up, and it is almost certain that we will not know specific matchups until the last day of the regular season. Looking at the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators locked up the last two wildcard spots on Saturday, April 11. The Ottawa Senators clinched their second consecutive playoff berth after blanking the New York Islanders on the road 3–0. Despite losing 2–1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bruins clinched a playoff berth with help from the Senators and the New Jersey Devils. Boston needed the Devils to win in regulation against the Detroit Red Wings and have the Senators beat the Islanders in regulation as well. Unfortunately for Detroit, they have now missed the postseason for 10 straight years and hold the NHL’s longest active playoff drought, after the Buffalo Sabres ended its 14-year drought this season. The Red Wings sat in a playoff spot for 148 days during the regular season, just to experience another late-season collapse that has plagued the organization over the last couple of years.

After Saturday’s slugfest of games, which left open only one postseason spot in the Eastern Conference, four teams in the Metropolitan Division will have to battle it out until the regular season concludes on Tuesday, April 14. The No.3 spot in the Metropolitan Division is currently held by the Philadelphia Flyers (96 pts), who steamrolled the Winnipeg Jets 7–1 Saturday night and boosted their playoff odds to 63.9 percent. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders are dueling it out with Philadelphia trying to claim third place in the division.

Columbus kept their postseason hopes alive with a gritty 5–2 win on the road in Montreal against the Canadiens, who are one of the top teams in the Atlantic Division. Washington also picked up two critical points, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 6–3 in Pennsylvania. The Islanders’ postseason chances took a major hit after losing to the Senators at home. As it stands before Sunday’s slate, Columbus has a 24 percent chance of getting into the postseason (92 pts), Washington has an 8.4 percent chance (91 pts), and New York has a measly 3.7 percent (91 pts).

Now, with only two games left for each team, it is possible someone will clinch as early as Monday, April 13. The Flyers control their own destiny entering their last two games. If they win out, they will end their five-year postseason drought and have a matchup against their in-state rivals, the Penguins. The maximum points for each team are as follows: Flyers can get 98, Blue Jackets can get 96, Islanders can get 95, and the Capitals can get 95. The Flyers and Islanders both end their seasons against the Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes, teams that have already secured their postseason spots. The Blue Jackets finish their season against the Bruins and Capitals, while the Capitals finish with the Penguins and Blue Jackets. Washington, Columbus, and New York all play on Sunday, April 12, and if each of them loses in regulation, Philadelphia will have a chance to clinch with a win or overtime/shootout loss Monday night, April 13, against the Hurricanes, finally bringing postseason hockey back to South Philadelphia.

by Reese Cassidy ’28 on February 5, 2026

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A&E - Film & TV

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On the ice, they are rivals. Off the ice, they are something the sport rarely shows, at least
until now. Heated Rivalry follows two professional hockey players whose fierce
competition on the ice contrasts with a secret queer relationship off it. Set in a sport
known for its physicality and tradition, the series explores the cost of hiding a core part of
yourself just to fit in. Since its release, the show has drawn attention not just for its
drama, but for the way it places LGBTQ+ characters front and center in a genre where
they’ve often been absent. In just a few months, Heated Rivalry has sparked
conversations about representation in sports media and shown what inclusion can look
like both on screen and in real life.

What makes Heated Rivalry stand out is that it doesn’t just include LGBTQ+ characters,
but makes them the heart of a high-stakes, complex sports story. Rather than pushing
their identities to the background or only framing them through struggle, the show
presents its leads as talented, driven athletes juggling a relationship alongside the
pressures of professional hockey. That mix of ambition, vulnerability, and romance has
struck a chord with many viewers, especially younger audiences who rarely see queer
characters portrayed as both respected and successful in sports. As the show’s popularity
has grown, so has its reach, spilling over from streaming screens into broader discussions
about belonging and representation in athletics.

The impact has been visible in the hockey world itself. Since the show premiered,
conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion in the National Hockey League have gained
more attention, both online and at arenas. Pride Nights, themed warm-ups, and public
statements of support from teams have drawn fans in ways some link directly to Heated
Rivalry. For some, the series opened the door to a sport they had never followed, but for
others, it finally reflected experiences that had long been ignored. These responses
suggest the show is not just reflecting changing attitudes, it’s helping push them forward.

The influence of Heated Rivalry has even appeared in arenas. At the Philadelphia Flyers’
recent Pride Night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, some fans said they came to their first NHL
game because of the show, wearing Heated Rivalry jerseys and cheering alongside the
crowd as the LGBTQ+ theme was celebrated. In Boston, the Bruins marked “Hockey Is
For Everyone” night by wrapping players’ sticks with rainbow tape and inviting both
LGBTQ+ athletes and players from inclusive hockey programs onto the ice for opening
ceremonies. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames incorporated references to the show into
their Pride Night, playing music from the series and highlighting donations to LGBTQ+
advocacy efforts. Across arenas, these events show how a fictional story can inspire real-
world action, making hockey feel more welcoming and accessible to fans who might
never have followed the sport before.

The impact extends beyond the ice to the show’s stars. Hudson Williams and Connor
Storrie have stepped into roles as public representatives for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports
and media. Most notably, they were chosen as torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympic
Torch Relay in Feltre, Italy, a symbolic honor reflecting their influence on fans and the
larger conversation around inclusion. They’ve also appeared in interviews, panels, and
public events discussing representation in sports, using their platforms to encourage
young athletes to embrace who they truly are. In this way, Williams and Storrie have
turned their roles into a platform and have become real-world examples of how
storytelling can inspire change in communities that have long been underrepresented.
Together, the show, the actors, and NHL initiatives have created a ripple across hockey
culture. Fans post videos and messages celebrating Heated Rivalry during games, often
highlighting Pride Nights or moments when teams spotlighted inclusion efforts. Social
media discussions and community events show audiences connecting the show’s themes
to real hockey experiences. By inspiring both fan engagement and league recognition, the
series demonstrates that on-screen representation can influence who feels welcome in the
sport—and how organizations signal that inclusivity matters.

Heated Rivalry shows that a TV show can do more than entertain; it can start a
conversation. By centering LGBTQ+ athletes in a high-pressure hockey story, it has
inspired fans, shaped NHL initiatives, and given real-life role models in Williams and
Storrie. Its impact proves that representation matters not just on screens but in arenas,
locker rooms, and communities where young athletes are searching for someone to reflect
their experiences. In just a few months, a story about rivals on the ice has become a story
about inclusion, visibility, and the power of seeing yourself represented.

by Dorothée Durivage ’28 on February 5, 2026

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Sports - Olympics

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This year’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games will see National Hockey League players return to the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, after skipping the past two Games. With 12 countries sending a maximum of 25 players to the games, the coaches have had to carefully craft a team strong enough to come out on top. In picking who to leave home and who to bring to Italy, certain player choices have been controversial. Team USA, coached by Rangers’ head coach Mike Sullivan, has decided to leave Cole Caufield, Alex DeBrincat, Lane Hutson, and Jason Robertson behind. 

Caufield, a Wisconsin native, with his 60 goals in his last 122 NHL games, is a star for the Montréal Canadiens and could have been a high scorer for the team who has not included five of the 10 highest scoring Americans on its roster. He is a hard player to defend and an electrifying performer, but he did not attend the last world championship. It was his decision not to be a part of the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, and coaches have said that not having a valid excuse has hurt his chances of participating in the Games. 

Michigan native and Detroit Red Wings player Alex DeBrincat is another scorer who is not traveling to Milano. Over the last three NHL seasons, there have only been five American players to score more goals than his 87 in 206 games. That was not enough for him to be on the team, and he was likely dismissed due to being relatively short for a professional hockey player at 5’8’ and having average defensive judging abilities, two important things to coaches who need the best players to secure the win. 

Last year’s Rookie of the Year and Michigan native, Lane Hutson, has 106 points in his last 122 NHL games and is a part of the crew of high scorers that the U.S. did not include on their roster for the Olympics. Although he is a dynamic player, his size has probably not helped his case, seeing as, like his Canadiens teammate Cole Caufield, Hutson did not play at the IIHF World Championship either. 

Another top 10 scorer that did not make the cut is Jason Robertson with his 64 points in 56 games, good statistics for No. 12 in the league. The California native is the kind of offensive player that the U.S. has lacked in the past, and having the player who has the sixth most goals in the NHL could have given the team an edge to fight in the games.

 With that said, Team USA is very strong overall, with power in the forwards, strong defensemen, and robust goaltenders. Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be the team’s captain, leading a team of talented players. 

by Flagg Taylor ’27 on October 9, 2025

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Sports

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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.