No. 7/6 Providence College Men’s Hockey Falls to No. 9/7 Michigan, 5-1, in Season Opener
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College Friars men’s hockey team suffered a 5-1 defeat against the University of Michigan Wolverines Friday night at Schneider Arena, marking the first loss in a season opener for the Friars in over a decade. Despite a brief equalizer from John mustard, the Wolverines’ offensive pressure proved too strong for the home team.
The setback opens the 2023-24 season for both programs, with Providence aiming to build on recent NCAA Tournament appearances and Michigan looking to contend for a national championship. Head Coach Nate Leaman‘s Friars now face an immediate chance to respond in the second game of the weekend series, while Michigan seeks to continue its strong start.
Michigan initiated the scoring less than two minutes into the game when Michael Hage converted a backhanded shot after receiving a pass from Nick Moldenhauer. providence responded at 11:28 with a goal from Mustard, capitalizing on a rebound following a shot by Logan Sawyer, assisted by Graham Gamache. Though,T.J. Hughes quickly regained the lead for Michigan with just 20 seconds remaining in the first period, sending the puck into the right post from the top of the crease.
The second period saw Michigan extend its advantage with three unanswered goals, fueled by a dominant 17-3 shot advantage.The Wolverines continued to control play in the final frame, outshooting the Friars 11-8.
philip svedebäck recorded 30 saves for Providence in the loss, while Jack Ivankovic stopped 19 shots for Michigan. The Wolverines capitalized on one of their six power play opportunities, while the Friars went 0-for-2 on the man advantage. Michigan finished the night with 35 total shots to Providence’s 20. The wolverines also won the faceoff battle, 31-25.
Providence’s game highs included one goal from Mustard, one assist each from Sawyer and Gamache, and four shots apiece from Mustard and Sawyer.
The Friars and Wolverines will conclude their weekend series Saturday night at 7 p.m. at schneider Arena.
