Providence College 2025-26 Official Season-Long Thread

[pc88]

First weekend sweep since....? I really think losing Kale and Machu last Saturday hurt the team on-ice more than I'd have imagined. They got them back and there's the results. But what's up with Maine this year? I've barely followed them so I don't know why they seem to be down. They reminded me of recent-past Vermont and UNH teams who play physical and keep it close for a while but once PC scores it seems like all the momentum is on their side. I only really followed Maine during Swayman's time there so anybody that knows more on the team currently, I'd like to get your take on them struggling.

And coming off a great weekend in Denver

 

[73PCFriar]

Barr has brought Maine back from the abyss last few years. Not sure why their play has been up and down this year. They did lose a lot of talent from last year.

It was nice to keep the Maine crowd quiet last 2 nights and see them walking out early after that third goal closed things off for PC last night.

Maybe we have something with Parsons we were not sure about. Next 2 weekends will tell a lot.

 

[cinnamoroll]

With Svedeback’s injury, Providence has added G Michael Simpson

03 goalie with a spectacular OHL career 2 seasons w Peterborough and 1 in London. 2 OHL championships in 23 and 24, 23 OHL playoff MVP, 24 Mem Cup most outstanding goalie, lead the league in shutouts 22-23… 10 games in AHL, 6 in ECHL last year. 10 games in ECHL this season. great pickup

nickname is Chef Mike for some reason

 

[NEW Friar]

That was a great sweep. Level of effort both nights was impressive. Sounded like the team rallied behind their rookie goalie and he reciprocated with a top flight performance - expect him to be HEA goalie of the week. Hope bringing in a new goalie from the ECHL doesn’t throw a wrench in the mix, sounds like a good pickup though.

Watched the ESPN + on demand coverage of the game when I got home, (only do that after a win), and was amazed that both announcers were exchanging comments about when would the Friars get their 1st SHG ? I think they started on that theme before the penalty was called against PC and then the penalty was called and Tanner Adams scored it! Speaking of which, the speed of his breakout toward the goalie and sharp accurate shot was amazing. Talk about hiding your light under a bushel, are we witnessing the emergence of an all star performer just at the right time?

Could be a fun end of season run, can’t wait for next weekend against BC.

 

[cavbim]

That was a great sweep. Level of effort both nights was impressive. Sounded like the team rallied behind their rookie goalie and he reciprocated with a top flight performance - expect him to be HEA goalie of the week. Hope bringing in a new goalie from the ECHL doesn’t throw a wrench in the mix, sounds like a good pickup though.

I’d suspect Parsons gets rookie of week. No freshman had big point weekend and UMass goal gave up 1 goal on weekend in 2 games

 

[Gino]

Awesome response after last weeks inexplicable defeat, maybe tha loss to Alaska was a blessing in disguise.

 

[PaulKorea]

I like the news of them getting Simpson as backup for Parsons at this time. Considering Michigan's #1 just got hurt, too, over the weekend, good timing for PC to add a goalie before he could've been scooped up elsewhere.

 

[NEW Friar]

I’d suspect Parsons gets rookie of week. No freshman had big point weekend and UMass goal gave up 1 goal on weekend in 2 games

You could be right based on the reasoning you mention. Did note the UMass goalie was 1-1 on the weekend as the 1 goal against game was the GWG in a loss while the 1 goal given up by Parsons was inconsequential in our 6-1 win and was during a long 5-3 man advantage by Maine.

 

[cinnamoroll]

Media availability for Leaman is really interesting, worth a listen if you want to know more. I forgot that McCoy was also on that Peterborough championship team so he definitely has someone he's familiar with on the team.

tl;dw- He talks through a lot of the thought process of bringing him in, a bit of his own opinions on the rules (and why that ultimately doesn't matter), and the rapid turnaround Simpson had to go through to get there (Savannah->LaGuardia->Montreal, get F1 visa->LaGuardia ft customs->Providence). He arrived on campus 9:30 pm Saturday after the game. Then he had to get paperwork done, enroll in classes, physical, heart exam, etc. Seems he's finally getting on the ice.

Basically: if one of their goalies is sick or injured for the rest of the year, they would have had to forfeit the game. He had gone the club goalie route in the past but after he felt bad for ruining their club eligibility, even if they had been willing. They asked a few junior kids but they didn't want to leave their teams mid-season, and he wasn't going to push them if they weren't willing. Even if he isn't a fan of the rules, they are there and teams must adapt.

I like the news of them getting Simpson as backup for Parsons at this time. Considering Michigan's #1 just got hurt, too, over the weekend, good timing for PC to add a goalie before he could've been scooped up elsewhere.

Leaman also addresses this- Michigan can't add someone anyways since their classes have already began. But totally possible other schools were looking around. We know of at least one defenseman coming in at winter who flipped from NMU to CC when they lost Beckner for the season. NMU got someone from juniors instead.

Basically Providence is really really really lucky that the injury happened right at this time.

 

[73PCFriar]

It's a great watch. Also the USCHO podcast had conversation about both schools' situation.

Now we see how well Simpson integrates into the team room and playing time. And what happens if or when Phillip is back.

 

[DLG]

I like the news of them getting Simpson as backup for Parsons at this time. Considering Michigan's #1 just got hurt, too, over the weekend, good timing for PC to add a goalie before he could've been scooped up elsewhere.

I believe Michigan can't add a goalie as classes started Jan 7th and you can't add after that date

 

[73PCFriar]

I believe Michigan can't add a goalie as classes started Jan 7th and you can't add after that date

Yea found that out after watching Leaman interview and listening to the uscho podcast. PC got lucky in the timing of Philip's injury