Providence College Hockey Faces Quinnipiac in NCAA Tournament Showdown
The Providence College Friars (23-10-2) are set to clash with the Quinnipiac Bobcats (26-9-3) in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament on Thursday, March 26, at 5:00 PM ET. The game, taking place at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., will be broadcast on ESPN+ and TSN+, with play-by-play commentary from Jason Ross, Jr., and color analysis by Kevin Weekes. Fans can also tune in on 790 The Score or the Varsity Network, with Mike Logan providing play-by-play.
Recent Performance and Tournament History
Providence enters the tournament after a narrow 3-2 overtime defeat to Merrimack in the Hockey East Quarterfinals on March 14. Despite a strong season, the Friars are 7-8-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament across 11 appearances. Their most recent tournament appearance in 2025 ended in a 5-1 loss to Denver.
Quinnipiac, the ECAC Regular Season titleholders for the sixth consecutive year, secured an at-large bid after falling to Clarkson in the ECAC Championship quarterfinals. The Bobcats won the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey title in 2023 but were defeated by UConn in the regional semifinals last season.
Key Players to Watch
Quinnipiac boasts the nation’s leading scorer, freshman Ethan Wyttenbach (24 goals, 34 assists, 58 points). The Friars will be facing the NCAA’s top scorer for the second consecutive year. Quinnipiac also features Markus Vidicek (20 goals), Chris Pelosi (17 goals), and Antonin Verreault (15 goals) as significant offensive threats.
For Providence, freshmen Quinn Mantei, Roger McQueen, and Jack Parsons were recognized with Hockey East honors. McQueen was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year, and Head Coach Nate Leaman earned Hockey East Coach of the Year accolades.
Series History and Regional Outlook
Providence holds a 4-2-1 advantage in the all-time series against Quinnipiac. Their last meeting was an exhibition game on October 5, a 2-1 Providence victory. The winner of Thursday’s matchup will advance to the Sioux Falls Regional Final on Saturday, March 28, against either North Dakota or Merrimack.
Friars’ NCAA Tournament Pedigree
Providence has a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, with a record of 17-21 all-time. Notable program records include Rob Gaudreau’s six goals in a single tournament (1989) and Mike Boback’s 16 career points in the tournament. Chris Terreri holds the record for saves in a single NCAA Tournament game with 62 against Boston College in 1985.
Recent Accolades and Program Milestones
Head Coach Nate Leaman recently recorded his 300th win at Providence, solidifying his position as the winningest coach in program history. The Friars also clinched their first-ever outright Hockey East Regular Season title this year, earning the No. 1 seed in the Hockey East Tournament.
Drafted Talent on Display
The Friars roster features seven NHL-drafted players, including Roger McQueen, selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2025 – the highest draft pick in program history.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the Providence vs. Quinnipiac game?
A: The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and TSN+.
Q: What is Providence’s record in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?
A: Providence is 7-8-0 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Q: Who is Quinnipiac’s leading scorer?
A: Ethan Wyttenbach is Quinnipiac’s leading scorer with 58 points (24 goals, 34 assists).
Q: Has Providence ever won the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship?
A: No, Providence has not yet won the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship.
Did you know? Providence boasts the second-best record since Christmas among the NCAA Tournament field with a 15-4-0 mark.
Stay updated on the Providence College men’s hockey program by following them on X & Instagram @FriarsHockey.
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