WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate honored the hard work and dedication of the Providence College men’s ice hockey team and their storybook season as the 2015 NCAA national champions.

The Senate unanimously approved a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse commemorating the team’s NCAA title run.

On April 11, Providence was crowned national champions in hockey for the first time in the program’s history after defeating Boston University in a thrilling 4-3 victory.  The championship game featured phenomenal plays and contributions from many Friars players, including a career-high 49 saves by goaltender Jon Gillies, and one goal each from Anthony Florentino, Mark Jankowski, Tom Parisi, and Brandon Tanev. 

“These student athletes made the entire state proud.  I am pleased the U.S. Senate is honoring them with this resolution.  I congratulate all of the Friars players, coaches, and staff whose season-long commitment, hard work, and dedication made this historic season possible,” said Reed.  “I would also like to extend my best wishes to PC player Drew Brown, who missed this season while battling a rare form of bone cancer and is thankfully now reported to be cancer free.  I also commend Providence College President Father Brian Shanley and Athletic Director Robert Driscoll on this accomplishment and for their dedication to the school.  I wish them all continued success in the future.” 

“The Friars earned this victory, and Rhode Islanders couldn’t be more proud of them,” Whitehouse said.  “Senator Reed and I are excited to join Providence College president Father Brian Shanley and the entire PC community in celebrating this historic win.  Congratulations to Coach Leaman and his staff; to goalie Jon Gillies, who was named Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player; and to all the players who fought so hard all season.”

The 2015 Providence College Men’s Hockey Team consisted of:  Rhode Island’s own Noel Acciari, Mark Adams, Brooks Behling, Alex Cromwell, Logan Day, Stefan Demopoulos, Nick Ellis, Anthony Florentino, Jon Gillies, John Gilmour, Robbie Hennessey, Mark Jankowski, Brendan Leahy, Shane Luke, Conor MacPhee, Ross Mauermann, Kyle McKenzie, Steven McParland, Trevor Mingoia, Josh Monk, Tom Parisi, Brian Pinho, Truman Reed, Kevin Rooney, Niko Rufo, Nick Saracino, Brandon Tanev, and Jake Walman. 

Head Coach Nate Leaman brought home a national championship in only his fourth season at Providence College.  Other members of his coaching staff who were key to a successful season include:  Associate Head Coach Steve Miller; Assistant Coach Kris Mayotte; Coordinator of Men's Hockey Operations Kyle Murphy; and Goaltending Coach Jim McNiff. 

The resolution states:

Congratulating the Providence College Men's Ice Hockey team for winning the 2015 NCAA Division I National Championship.

Whereas on Saturday, April 11, 2015, the Providence College Friars won the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship by defeating the Boston University Terriers by a score of 4 to 3 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts;

Whereas numbers 16, 10, and 6 scored the first three goals for the Friars to keep the game close;

Whereas the extraordinary goal by number 22 in the third period put Providence College in the lead for good;

Whereas the superb goaltending of number 32 held back Boston University’s scoring attacks and sealed the victory for the Friars, earning him Most Outstanding Player honors of the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament;

Whereas the season-long contributions and dedication of all players and coaches of the Friars’ hockey team contributed to this National Championship season;

Whereas this is the first NCAA Championship for the Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey team;

Whereas the Providence College Friars finished the season with 26 wins and outscored its opponents 19 to 10 in the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament; and

Whereas the Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey team became the latest Rhode Island college team to win a National Championship and earn the pride of the State: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) congratulates the Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey team for winning the 2015 NCAA Division I National Championship;

(2) commends the players, coaches, and staff of the Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey team for their hard work and dedication in making this the most successful season in team history; and

(3) recognizes the Providence College students, alumni, and fans who supported the Men’s Ice Hockey team in its pursuit of a National Championship.

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