Athlete of the Week

by Emilia Farrell ‘28 on February 5, 2026

Athlete of the Week

It is not a secret to anyone on the Providence College campus that the men’s ice hockey team has been on a roll this year. The Friars have swept opponents the past three consecutive weekends, which pushed them to a dominant seven-game win streak. The team’s overall performance has resulted in them rising to the top rank of Hockey East with a conference record of 11–3–1. The first pair of wins came against the University of Maine, then rival Boston College, and quickly Boston University as well. Each weekend has tested the team in different ways, but every time they have risen to the occasion while under immense pressure.

The standout player across all of these recent games is alternate captain Aleksi Kivioja ’28. A native of Espoo, Finland, Kivioja is in the midst of his second strong season at PC. Before suiting up for the Friars, Kivioja played for two years with the Omaha Lancers, where he served as an alternate captain and appeared in 103 games, which allowed him to gain valuable hockey and leadership experience. No. 14’s most recent success has come through his impressive work on both ends of the ice. On the defensive side, Kivioja blocked a shot or more in all of the six swept games. On offense, he is equally as effective, scoring goals in three of the six games and recording assists two. One special goal for Kivioja was the game-winner in a close game against Boston University on Jan. 23, after which was awarded Hockey East Play of the Week. To start this play, Kivioja passed the puck to No. 22 Clint Levens ’27, who then passed it right back to Kivioja for a quick goal with 2:41 left in regulation. This important recognition by the Hockey East Conference reinforces how skillfully he has been playing as of late. Three out of Kivioja’s four goals on the season have been in the past five games alone, demonstrating how far he has progressed recently. His ability to transition seamlessly between offense and defense makes him a critical presence on the ice for the Friars. Overall, Kivioja demonstrates what it means to be a team player on both ends of the ice. His performance has played a catalytic role in Providence’s recent success. As the regular season is coming to an end, Kivioja will no doubt also be playing a key role in the team’s aspirations for postseason play.

Sports Shorts

by Emilia Farrall ‘28 on December 11, 2025

Sports Shorts

Women’s Ice Hockey:

On Dec. 5, the women’s ice hockey team beat Merrimack College 3–2 in overtime and again on Dec. 6, 3–2. This advances the Friars to 7–10–2 on the season and 4–-2 in the Hockey East Conference. At Saturday’s game, Jessie Pellerin ’28 scored first at the beginning of the first period. Pellerin then scored again in the third quarter on a power play. Later in the third quarter, Emma Hofbauer ’28 scored to cement a Friars’ victory in the game and series.

Men’s Basketball:

The men’s basketball team beat the University of Rhode Island on Dec. 6 with a score of 90–71. The freshman pair of Stefan Vaaks ’29 and Jamier Jones ’29 had 18 points each. Vaaks had an impressive five three-pointers during the game. Additionally, Jaylin Sellers ’26G recorded his first double-double this season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Overall, the Friars outshot the Rams from the field, three-point line, and free throw line which led to their victory. Providence holds a record of 78–57 against URI historically. Next up, the team faces Brown University at home on Dec. 9 in their last remaining game before conference play begins this week.

Men’s Ice Hockey:

Over Thanksgiving break, the men’s ice hockey team went 1–1 in a two-game away series against Colorado College. The first game was a 2–3 loss for the Friars, but Phillip Svedback ’26 had an impressive 30 saves in net as opposed to 23 from his Colorado counterpart. The Friars came back to win the second game 2–1. Hudson Malinoski ’27 had two goals during the game, bringing his total to three on the weekend. Next, the team will travel to face their cross-city rivals, Brown University, on Dec. 9 at the Meehan Auditorium.

Women’s Basketball:

The women’s basketball team opened Big East play with a loss away at Xavier University, 61–47. The Musketeers outscored the Friars in every quarter except the third. Sabou Gueye ’26G had her second double-double of the season with 16 points, tying her career high, and 12 rebounds. Additionally, Teneisa Brown ’26G had 12 points and nine rebounds during the game. Next up in Big East play, the Friars will take on St. John’s University away on Dec. 7 and feature Georgetown University at home on Dec. 21.