Completed Event: Women's Ice Hockey versus #14/RV Holy Cross on January 24, 2026 , Loss , 0, to, 3
Women's Ice Hockey
vs #14/RV Holy Cross
Final
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Providence College Athletics
Wednesday, February 25
Boston, MA
6:00 PM
Providence College
at
Boston University
Women’s Hockey Opens Hockey East Tournament At Boston University
2/24/2026 3:51:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey
The Friars face the Terriers in the Opening Round on Wednesday.
GAME INFORMATION VS. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 25 | WALTER BROWN ARENA | BOSTON, MASS. | 6:00 PM
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College women's hockey team will begin the Hockey East Women's Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 25, traveling to face Boston University in the Opening Round at 6:00 p.m. at Walter Brown Arena in Boston, Mass. The Friars enter as the No. 9 seed for the first time in program history, while the Terriers are the No. 8 seed.
Scouting the Friars
Providence enters Wednesday's matchup after dropping a pair of games last weekend to Boston University and No. 5/5 Northeastern. On Friday, Feb. 20, the Friars fell to the Terriers, 3-1, at Walter Brown Arena. Providence took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by sophomore Emma Hofbauer (Vomperbach, Austria) before Boston University scored three unanswered goals. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Friars were defeated by No. 5/5 Northeastern, 4-2, after the Huskies tallied four consecutive goals. Providence jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 61 seconds into the contest. Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) opened the scoring to record her 100th career point.
Friars In Hockey East Tournament
Providence is 22-25 all-time in the Hockey East Tournament. The Friars have competed in the Opening Round just once, earning a 3-1 victory over Holy Cross as the No. 7 seed in 2023. This marks the first time in program history that Providence enters the tournament as the No. 9 seed. All-time in the tournament, the Friars are 1-0 in the Opening Round, 10-14 in the Quarterfinals, 8-6 in the Semifinals and 3-5 in the Championship game. Providence has faced Boston University four times in tournament play, with the Terriers holding a 3-1 advantage. Wednesday will mark the first Opening Round meeting between the two programs.
Kirchmair Reaches 100 Points
Kirchmair became the 29th player in program history to reach 100 career points with her goal against No. 5/5 Northeastern on Feb. 21. The senior has totaled 55 goals and 45 assists in 141 career games.
Power Play Heating Up
Entering the final weekend of the regular season, the Friars recorded five power-play goals over a five-game stretch, their most productive run of the season. Providence scored two power-play goals in a single game for the first time this season in its Feb. 13 win over Boston College. Kirchmair leads the team with five power-play goals, ranking second in Hockey East and 18th nationally. Providence has had 74 power-play opportunities this season, the fewest in the nation, converting 13 for a 17.6 percent success rate. That percentage ranks 26th nationally and sixth in Hockey East. The Friars have had nine games with just one power-play opportunity and three games without a single chance.
Walinski Earns Weekly Honors
Walinski was named Stop It Goaltending Goaltender of the Week on Monday, Feb. 16. She posted a 1.47 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage over the weekend, stopping 58 of 61 shots. Walinski made 35 saves in Friday's 3-2 overtime win over Boston College, marking her 14th game this season with 30 or more saves. She did not allow an even-strength goal during the two-game stretch.
Cavy Anchoring the Defense
Senior Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) leads the Friars with 70 blocked shots, ranking third in Hockey East despite playing four fewer games than the conference leader. She recorded a season-high six blocked shots against Boston College on Jan. 16. Cavaliere has also set a career high in assists this season, pacing the Friars with 19. Her 19 assists are tied for fifth in Hockey East, while her 0.68 assists per game are also third in the conference.
Keep It Close
The Friars are 9-3-0 in one score games this season.
Pellerin In The Dots
Sophomore Jessie Pellerin (Bowmanville, Ontario) has transitioned to center this season and has won 331 faceoffs at a team-high 56.5 percent. Her faceoff wins rank second in Hockey East and 25th nationally.
Walinski Making Saves
Walinski has started all 34 games for the Friars this season, posting a 2.79 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and 931 saves. Her save total ranks third in Hockey East and fifth nationally.
Cristina Cavaliere Named Army ROTC Defender Of The Month
Defenseman Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) was named Army ROTC Defender of the Month for January on Wednesday, Feb. 4, marking her first recognition of the season. Cavaliere totaled seven assists and 20 blocked shots over nine games during the month. The senior recorded two assists in a game for the fourth time in her career on Jan. 31 in a 3-2 win over Vermont.
Hope Walinski Named Army ROTC Defender Of The Week
Goaltender Hope Walinski was named Army ROTC Defender of the Week on Monday, Feb. 2, marking her first recognition of the season. Walinski finished the weekend sweep over Vermont with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage. She stopped 65 of 68 shots over the two-game series, including a 40-save effort in Saturday's 3-2 victory. It marked her second 40-plus save performance of the season.
Walinski Hits 100 Career Games
Walinski appeared in her 100th career game against Vermont on Saturday, Jan. 31. She recorded 40 saves to secure the 3-2 win and complete the weekend sweep. The graduate student ranks fifth all-time in games played by a Providence College goaltender. Genevieve Lacasse holds the program record with 127 games played from 2008-12.
Hitting The Road
Beginning Jan. 16, Providence started a stretch of seven road games over nine contests. The Friars went 3-6-0 during that stretch and are 6-12-0 on the road this season.
Kirchmair-Knapp Duo
The duo of former Hockey East First Team All-Stars senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) and junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) lead the Friars in points this season. Kirchmair has 25 points in 34 games (14 goals and 11 assists) while Knapp has 23 points on seven goals and 16 assists. Kirchmair, Knapp, senior Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) and sophomore Jessie Pellerin (Bowmanville, Ontario) are the only Friars with double-digit assists this season and the only Friars with 20 or more points.
Overtimes
Providence headed to overtime for the eighth time this season on Friday, Feb. 13 in a 2-1 win over Boston College. Prior to the final game of 2025, the Friars' previous three games went to overtime. Providence holds a 5-1-2 record in overtime this season after going 4-1-3 in extra time last year. Under Head Coach Matt Kelly, the Friars are 19-11-22 all-time in overtime.
Future Friar Wins Gold
Incoming goaltender Bianca Birrittieri won gold with the United States national team at the U18 Women's World Championship in Cape Breton, Canada on Sunday, Jan. 18. Birrittieri played in four games for the United States and posted a 0.50 goals-against average, a .975 save percentage, two shutouts and a 4-0-0 record. In the gold medal game against Canada, Birrittieri recorded a shutout with 38 saves and was named Player of the Game. Birrittieri, originally from Flower Mound, Texas, will join the Friars next season.
Former Friars Headed To The Olympics
Former Providence College women's ice hockey players Sandra Abstreiter (Germany) '22, '23G, Sara Hjalmarsson (Sweden) '22, '23G and Noemi Neubauerová (Czechia) '23G have been selected to their respective national team rosters for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled for Feb. 5–19 in Italy. Abstreiter will be making her first Olympic appearance, Hjalmarsson her third and Neubauerová her second.
Finishing First Half Strong
The Friars won their final three games and were undefeated in their last four contests before the winter break. Following a 2-2 tie with Boston University on Nov. 22, Providence won the Mayor's Cup in a 3-2 overtime victory. The Friars closed the 2025 calendar year with a sweep of Merrimack College, earning a 3-2 overtime win at Schneider Arena and a 3-2 road victory.
Taking The Mayor's Cup
The Friars captured the 30th Mayor's Cup with a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 11/11 Brown University on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Meehan Auditorium in Providence, R.I. After falling behind 1-0 early in the first period, Providence tied the game in the third period on a goal from junior Kiara Kraft (Churchville, N.Y.) before junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) gave the Friars the lead. Brown later tied the game to force overtime, where Knapp scored the game-winning goal to secure the Mayor's Cup. Head Coach Matt Kelly is now 6-1-0 all-time against the Bears.
Ranked Start
The Friars opened the season playing seven of their first eight games against ranked opponents. Providence is 4-13-0 this season against ranked foes. Last year, the Friars went 7-5-0, their most ranked wins in a season under Head Coach Matt Kelly and the most since 2009-10. Including the 2025-26 season, Kelly holds a 25-53-6 record against ranked opponents at Providence.
Kirchmair Reaches 50 Career Goals
In the Friars' game against Boston University on Saturday, Nov. 22, senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) scored her 50th career goal. The last Friar to reach 50 career goals was Sara Hjalmarsson (2018-23), who finished with 62 and sits 20th all-time in program history. Cammi Granato (1989-93) tops the career goals list with 139.
Reichen Kirchmair Named Hockey East Player Of The Week
Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) was named Hockey East Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 27, marking her first weekly honor of the season. Kirchmair led the Friars with four goals in Friday's 7-6 overtime victory over No. 13/13 St. Thomas. She recorded a second-period hat trick in just 4:41 before netting the game-winner in overtime. The four-goal outing marked Kirchmair's second career hat trick, seventh three-point game, and second four-point game. It was also her 22nd career multi-point effort and 12th game-winning goal. Kirchmair is the first Friar to score four goals in a game since Sara Hjalmarsson did so against Maine on Nov. 19, 2022, and the first to record multiple hat tricks since Hjalmarsson, who tallied three in her career.
Returning for the Friars
Providence returns senior forward Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario), the 2024-25 Cammi Granato Award winner as Hockey East Player of the Year and the league's scoring champion. She became the first Friar to earn Player of the Year honors since 2004-05 and the first to claim the scoring title since 2002-03. Kirchmair was the only unanimous selection to the Hockey East First Team after leading the league with 15 goals and 15 assists in conference play. The senior paced all league players with 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 34 games.
Junior forward Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) also returns for the Friars after being named a Hockey East First Team All-Star last season. Knapp tied for the conference lead in goals with 15, alongside Kirchmair, making them the only Friars to achieve the feat in the Hockey East era with Sara Hjalmarsson in 2022-23. The junior finished the season with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points.
In net, graduate student Hope Walinski (Lincoln, R.I.) returns for Providence. Walinski started 33 games for the Friars, posting a 1.87 goals against average, a .922 save percentage, four shutouts and a 19-11-3 record. Walinski was awarded as a Hockey East Third Team All-Star and named to the "Watch List" for the National Goalie of the Year Award last season.
Largest Freshman Class Since 2008-09
Providence welcomes nine freshmen to the 2025-26 roster, the most in a single class since 2008-09.
Audrey Knapp Invited to USA Hockey Women's National Festival
Junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) was invited to the 2025 USA Hockey Women's National Festival on Aug. 3-9 at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. The group is made up of 76 college and professional players, along with 46 players under the age of 18. The Festival assisted in the evaluation process for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team.
Former Friars Selected in 2025 PWHL Draft
Former Friars Sara Hjalmarsson (Bankeryd, Sweden) '22, '23G and Brooke Becker (Orchard Park, N.Y.) '24, '25G were selected in the 2025 PWHL Draft. Hjalmarsson was chosen in the fifth round (35th overall) by the Toronto Sceptres, while Becker was taken in the sixth round (46th overall) by the Minnesota Frost. The duo becomes the third and fourth Friars in program history to be selected in the PWHL Draft, joining Sandra Abstreiter '22, '23G (2023) and Noemi Neubauerová '23G (2024).
Last Season's Second Half Climb
The Friars opened the second half of the 2024-25 season with an 8-1-0 record in January, their most wins in the month since 1998-99. Providence started the second half of the season in eighth place with 11 points through 11 games. From January through the end of the regular season, Providence earned points in 17 of its final 20 conference games, posting a 13-3-0 record in the second half, the best mark in Hockey East after the new year.
Hats Flying
Providence recorded four hat tricks in 2024-25, its most in a single season since 2004-05. Three of those came from current returners: Reichen Kirchmair, Audrey Knapp and Kiara Kraft.
Hockey East Preseason Poll
The Friars were picked to finish fifth in the Hockey East Preseason Poll, which was released on Monday, Sept. 16. Providence received 61 points and were picked to finish behind UConn (86), Boston University (82), Northeastern University (76) and Boston College (64). The Huskies and Terriers each received five first place votes.
Fresh Friar Faces
Providence welcomes 10 new players (one transfer and nine freshmen) to the roster for the 2025-26 season. Taylor Porthan (Edina, Minn.) is a sophomore from UConn. The nine freshmen are Molly Farace (Otonabee, Ontario), Sophie Harold (Cobourg, Ontario), Mallory Hartl (Askov, Minn.), Izzy King (Bedford, Mass.), Taylor Leemrijse (Toronto, Ontario), Lauren Mack (Excelsior, Minn.), Brenna O'Reilly (Burlington, Mass.), Bella Paolucci (Groose Pointe Woods, Mich.) and Sami Snyder (Waterloo, Ontario).
Friars Under Head Coach Matt Kelly
Including the 2025-26 campaign, Matt Kelly has posted an overall record of 136-108-27 (.552) and 104-78-21 (.564) in Hockey East play. Last season's 20 wins marked the third time during Kelly's tenure the Friars have reached the 20-win mark. In his inaugural season, the 2018-19 Friars tied the school-record with 24 wins.
In 2020-21, Kelly led the Friars to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005, marking the program's second appearance in school history. The Friars have reached the Hockey East Championship twice under Kelly, in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
Matt Kelly In Hockey East Tournament
Kelly has coached in 15 Hockey East Tournament games over his first seven seasons, compiling a 7-8 record. He is 0-1 against Boston University in postseason play. Under Kelly, the Friars have reached the Hockey East Championship game twice (2020-21, 2022-23).
Kelly Reaches 100 Hockey East Wins
Providence Head Coach Matt Kelly won his 100th Hockey East game in the 3-2 victory over Merrimack College on Dec. 6. With the win, Kelly become the second coach in program history to reach 100 Hockey East wins since the league's inception in 2002-03, joining Bob Deraney. He currently ranks third all-time in program history with 136 overall wins, trailing Deraney (319) and John Marchetti (264).
Through 40
In the Kelly era, the Friars are 92-9-6 when taking the lead into the third period. They are 29-23-14 when tied after two periods and 15-76-7 when trailing.
Three is the Number
Under Kelly, Providence is 103-7-3 all-time when scoring three or more goals. The Friars are 9-0-0 this season when scoring three goals. Last season, Providence went 18-1-0 when scoring three or more, including a perfect 10-0-0 mark when scoring four and 5-0-0 when scoring five.
Scouting the Terriers
Boston University enters Wednesday as the No. 8 seed in the Hockey East Tournament. The Terriers split last weekend, defeating Providence, 3-1, at Walter Brown Arena before falling to Boston College, 4-0. Boston University holds a 5-12 record at home this season.
Who to Watch for Boston University
Senior forward Sydney Healey leads the Terriers with 26 points in 33 games on 15 goals and 11 assists, including two power-play goals. She is the only Boston University player with 20 or more points this season and has totaled one goal and two assists against the Friars this year. Luisa Welcke and Maeve Kelly each recorded a goal and an assist in last Friday's win over Providence.
In goal, Mari Pietersen and Michelle Pasiechnyk have split time this season. Pietersen has made 17 starts, posting a 2.34 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage and a 5-9-3 record. Pasiechnyk has started 18 games and owns a 2.52 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and a 5-11-0 mark. Pasiechnyk appeared in both games last weekend.
All-Time Series with the Terriers
Boston University leads the all-time series, 37-20-7. The Friars are winless in their last eight meetings with the Terriers (0-6-2). Providence's last victory at Boston University came on Nov. 4, 2022, in a 3-2 overtime win. The teams met at Schneider Arena last November, where Boston University claimed a 4-1 victory in game one before the sides skated to a 2-2 tie in game two. The Terriers secured the extra point in the shootout. Last Friday, Boston University scored three unanswered goals in a 3-1 win after Providence opened the scoring.
-GO FRIARS!-
FEBRUARY 25 | WALTER BROWN ARENA | BOSTON, MASS. | 6:00 PM
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College women's hockey team will begin the Hockey East Women's Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 25, traveling to face Boston University in the Opening Round at 6:00 p.m. at Walter Brown Arena in Boston, Mass. The Friars enter as the No. 9 seed for the first time in program history, while the Terriers are the No. 8 seed.
Scouting the Friars
Providence enters Wednesday's matchup after dropping a pair of games last weekend to Boston University and No. 5/5 Northeastern. On Friday, Feb. 20, the Friars fell to the Terriers, 3-1, at Walter Brown Arena. Providence took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by sophomore Emma Hofbauer (Vomperbach, Austria) before Boston University scored three unanswered goals. On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Friars were defeated by No. 5/5 Northeastern, 4-2, after the Huskies tallied four consecutive goals. Providence jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 61 seconds into the contest. Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) opened the scoring to record her 100th career point.
Friars In Hockey East Tournament
Providence is 22-25 all-time in the Hockey East Tournament. The Friars have competed in the Opening Round just once, earning a 3-1 victory over Holy Cross as the No. 7 seed in 2023. This marks the first time in program history that Providence enters the tournament as the No. 9 seed. All-time in the tournament, the Friars are 1-0 in the Opening Round, 10-14 in the Quarterfinals, 8-6 in the Semifinals and 3-5 in the Championship game. Providence has faced Boston University four times in tournament play, with the Terriers holding a 3-1 advantage. Wednesday will mark the first Opening Round meeting between the two programs.
Kirchmair Reaches 100 Points
Kirchmair became the 29th player in program history to reach 100 career points with her goal against No. 5/5 Northeastern on Feb. 21. The senior has totaled 55 goals and 45 assists in 141 career games.
Power Play Heating Up
Entering the final weekend of the regular season, the Friars recorded five power-play goals over a five-game stretch, their most productive run of the season. Providence scored two power-play goals in a single game for the first time this season in its Feb. 13 win over Boston College. Kirchmair leads the team with five power-play goals, ranking second in Hockey East and 18th nationally. Providence has had 74 power-play opportunities this season, the fewest in the nation, converting 13 for a 17.6 percent success rate. That percentage ranks 26th nationally and sixth in Hockey East. The Friars have had nine games with just one power-play opportunity and three games without a single chance.
Walinski Earns Weekly Honors
Walinski was named Stop It Goaltending Goaltender of the Week on Monday, Feb. 16. She posted a 1.47 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage over the weekend, stopping 58 of 61 shots. Walinski made 35 saves in Friday's 3-2 overtime win over Boston College, marking her 14th game this season with 30 or more saves. She did not allow an even-strength goal during the two-game stretch.
Cavy Anchoring the Defense
Senior Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) leads the Friars with 70 blocked shots, ranking third in Hockey East despite playing four fewer games than the conference leader. She recorded a season-high six blocked shots against Boston College on Jan. 16. Cavaliere has also set a career high in assists this season, pacing the Friars with 19. Her 19 assists are tied for fifth in Hockey East, while her 0.68 assists per game are also third in the conference.
Keep It Close
The Friars are 9-3-0 in one score games this season.
Pellerin In The Dots
Sophomore Jessie Pellerin (Bowmanville, Ontario) has transitioned to center this season and has won 331 faceoffs at a team-high 56.5 percent. Her faceoff wins rank second in Hockey East and 25th nationally.
Walinski Making Saves
Walinski has started all 34 games for the Friars this season, posting a 2.79 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and 931 saves. Her save total ranks third in Hockey East and fifth nationally.
Cristina Cavaliere Named Army ROTC Defender Of The Month
Defenseman Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) was named Army ROTC Defender of the Month for January on Wednesday, Feb. 4, marking her first recognition of the season. Cavaliere totaled seven assists and 20 blocked shots over nine games during the month. The senior recorded two assists in a game for the fourth time in her career on Jan. 31 in a 3-2 win over Vermont.
Hope Walinski Named Army ROTC Defender Of The Week
Goaltender Hope Walinski was named Army ROTC Defender of the Week on Monday, Feb. 2, marking her first recognition of the season. Walinski finished the weekend sweep over Vermont with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage. She stopped 65 of 68 shots over the two-game series, including a 40-save effort in Saturday's 3-2 victory. It marked her second 40-plus save performance of the season.
Walinski Hits 100 Career Games
Walinski appeared in her 100th career game against Vermont on Saturday, Jan. 31. She recorded 40 saves to secure the 3-2 win and complete the weekend sweep. The graduate student ranks fifth all-time in games played by a Providence College goaltender. Genevieve Lacasse holds the program record with 127 games played from 2008-12.
Hitting The Road
Beginning Jan. 16, Providence started a stretch of seven road games over nine contests. The Friars went 3-6-0 during that stretch and are 6-12-0 on the road this season.
Kirchmair-Knapp Duo
The duo of former Hockey East First Team All-Stars senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) and junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) lead the Friars in points this season. Kirchmair has 25 points in 34 games (14 goals and 11 assists) while Knapp has 23 points on seven goals and 16 assists. Kirchmair, Knapp, senior Cristina Cavaliere (Mississauga, Ontario) and sophomore Jessie Pellerin (Bowmanville, Ontario) are the only Friars with double-digit assists this season and the only Friars with 20 or more points.
Overtimes
Providence headed to overtime for the eighth time this season on Friday, Feb. 13 in a 2-1 win over Boston College. Prior to the final game of 2025, the Friars' previous three games went to overtime. Providence holds a 5-1-2 record in overtime this season after going 4-1-3 in extra time last year. Under Head Coach Matt Kelly, the Friars are 19-11-22 all-time in overtime.
Future Friar Wins Gold
Incoming goaltender Bianca Birrittieri won gold with the United States national team at the U18 Women's World Championship in Cape Breton, Canada on Sunday, Jan. 18. Birrittieri played in four games for the United States and posted a 0.50 goals-against average, a .975 save percentage, two shutouts and a 4-0-0 record. In the gold medal game against Canada, Birrittieri recorded a shutout with 38 saves and was named Player of the Game. Birrittieri, originally from Flower Mound, Texas, will join the Friars next season.
Former Friars Headed To The Olympics
Former Providence College women's ice hockey players Sandra Abstreiter (Germany) '22, '23G, Sara Hjalmarsson (Sweden) '22, '23G and Noemi Neubauerová (Czechia) '23G have been selected to their respective national team rosters for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled for Feb. 5–19 in Italy. Abstreiter will be making her first Olympic appearance, Hjalmarsson her third and Neubauerová her second.
Finishing First Half Strong
The Friars won their final three games and were undefeated in their last four contests before the winter break. Following a 2-2 tie with Boston University on Nov. 22, Providence won the Mayor's Cup in a 3-2 overtime victory. The Friars closed the 2025 calendar year with a sweep of Merrimack College, earning a 3-2 overtime win at Schneider Arena and a 3-2 road victory.
Taking The Mayor's Cup
The Friars captured the 30th Mayor's Cup with a 3-2 overtime victory over No. 11/11 Brown University on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Meehan Auditorium in Providence, R.I. After falling behind 1-0 early in the first period, Providence tied the game in the third period on a goal from junior Kiara Kraft (Churchville, N.Y.) before junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) gave the Friars the lead. Brown later tied the game to force overtime, where Knapp scored the game-winning goal to secure the Mayor's Cup. Head Coach Matt Kelly is now 6-1-0 all-time against the Bears.
Ranked Start
The Friars opened the season playing seven of their first eight games against ranked opponents. Providence is 4-13-0 this season against ranked foes. Last year, the Friars went 7-5-0, their most ranked wins in a season under Head Coach Matt Kelly and the most since 2009-10. Including the 2025-26 season, Kelly holds a 25-53-6 record against ranked opponents at Providence.
Kirchmair Reaches 50 Career Goals
In the Friars' game against Boston University on Saturday, Nov. 22, senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) scored her 50th career goal. The last Friar to reach 50 career goals was Sara Hjalmarsson (2018-23), who finished with 62 and sits 20th all-time in program history. Cammi Granato (1989-93) tops the career goals list with 139.
Reichen Kirchmair Named Hockey East Player Of The Week
Senior Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario) was named Hockey East Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 27, marking her first weekly honor of the season. Kirchmair led the Friars with four goals in Friday's 7-6 overtime victory over No. 13/13 St. Thomas. She recorded a second-period hat trick in just 4:41 before netting the game-winner in overtime. The four-goal outing marked Kirchmair's second career hat trick, seventh three-point game, and second four-point game. It was also her 22nd career multi-point effort and 12th game-winning goal. Kirchmair is the first Friar to score four goals in a game since Sara Hjalmarsson did so against Maine on Nov. 19, 2022, and the first to record multiple hat tricks since Hjalmarsson, who tallied three in her career.
Returning for the Friars
Providence returns senior forward Reichen Kirchmair (Oakville, Ontario), the 2024-25 Cammi Granato Award winner as Hockey East Player of the Year and the league's scoring champion. She became the first Friar to earn Player of the Year honors since 2004-05 and the first to claim the scoring title since 2002-03. Kirchmair was the only unanimous selection to the Hockey East First Team after leading the league with 15 goals and 15 assists in conference play. The senior paced all league players with 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 34 games.
Junior forward Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) also returns for the Friars after being named a Hockey East First Team All-Star last season. Knapp tied for the conference lead in goals with 15, alongside Kirchmair, making them the only Friars to achieve the feat in the Hockey East era with Sara Hjalmarsson in 2022-23. The junior finished the season with 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points.
In net, graduate student Hope Walinski (Lincoln, R.I.) returns for Providence. Walinski started 33 games for the Friars, posting a 1.87 goals against average, a .922 save percentage, four shutouts and a 19-11-3 record. Walinski was awarded as a Hockey East Third Team All-Star and named to the "Watch List" for the National Goalie of the Year Award last season.
Largest Freshman Class Since 2008-09
Providence welcomes nine freshmen to the 2025-26 roster, the most in a single class since 2008-09.
Audrey Knapp Invited to USA Hockey Women's National Festival
Junior Audrey Knapp (Stevens Point, Wis.) was invited to the 2025 USA Hockey Women's National Festival on Aug. 3-9 at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. The group is made up of 76 college and professional players, along with 46 players under the age of 18. The Festival assisted in the evaluation process for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team.
Former Friars Selected in 2025 PWHL Draft
Former Friars Sara Hjalmarsson (Bankeryd, Sweden) '22, '23G and Brooke Becker (Orchard Park, N.Y.) '24, '25G were selected in the 2025 PWHL Draft. Hjalmarsson was chosen in the fifth round (35th overall) by the Toronto Sceptres, while Becker was taken in the sixth round (46th overall) by the Minnesota Frost. The duo becomes the third and fourth Friars in program history to be selected in the PWHL Draft, joining Sandra Abstreiter '22, '23G (2023) and Noemi Neubauerová '23G (2024).
Last Season's Second Half Climb
The Friars opened the second half of the 2024-25 season with an 8-1-0 record in January, their most wins in the month since 1998-99. Providence started the second half of the season in eighth place with 11 points through 11 games. From January through the end of the regular season, Providence earned points in 17 of its final 20 conference games, posting a 13-3-0 record in the second half, the best mark in Hockey East after the new year.
Hats Flying
Providence recorded four hat tricks in 2024-25, its most in a single season since 2004-05. Three of those came from current returners: Reichen Kirchmair, Audrey Knapp and Kiara Kraft.
Hockey East Preseason Poll
The Friars were picked to finish fifth in the Hockey East Preseason Poll, which was released on Monday, Sept. 16. Providence received 61 points and were picked to finish behind UConn (86), Boston University (82), Northeastern University (76) and Boston College (64). The Huskies and Terriers each received five first place votes.
Fresh Friar Faces
Providence welcomes 10 new players (one transfer and nine freshmen) to the roster for the 2025-26 season. Taylor Porthan (Edina, Minn.) is a sophomore from UConn. The nine freshmen are Molly Farace (Otonabee, Ontario), Sophie Harold (Cobourg, Ontario), Mallory Hartl (Askov, Minn.), Izzy King (Bedford, Mass.), Taylor Leemrijse (Toronto, Ontario), Lauren Mack (Excelsior, Minn.), Brenna O'Reilly (Burlington, Mass.), Bella Paolucci (Groose Pointe Woods, Mich.) and Sami Snyder (Waterloo, Ontario).
Friars Under Head Coach Matt Kelly
Including the 2025-26 campaign, Matt Kelly has posted an overall record of 136-108-27 (.552) and 104-78-21 (.564) in Hockey East play. Last season's 20 wins marked the third time during Kelly's tenure the Friars have reached the 20-win mark. In his inaugural season, the 2018-19 Friars tied the school-record with 24 wins.
In 2020-21, Kelly led the Friars to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005, marking the program's second appearance in school history. The Friars have reached the Hockey East Championship twice under Kelly, in 2020-21 and 2022-23.
Matt Kelly In Hockey East Tournament
Kelly has coached in 15 Hockey East Tournament games over his first seven seasons, compiling a 7-8 record. He is 0-1 against Boston University in postseason play. Under Kelly, the Friars have reached the Hockey East Championship game twice (2020-21, 2022-23).
Kelly Reaches 100 Hockey East Wins
Providence Head Coach Matt Kelly won his 100th Hockey East game in the 3-2 victory over Merrimack College on Dec. 6. With the win, Kelly become the second coach in program history to reach 100 Hockey East wins since the league's inception in 2002-03, joining Bob Deraney. He currently ranks third all-time in program history with 136 overall wins, trailing Deraney (319) and John Marchetti (264).
Through 40
In the Kelly era, the Friars are 92-9-6 when taking the lead into the third period. They are 29-23-14 when tied after two periods and 15-76-7 when trailing.
Three is the Number
Under Kelly, Providence is 103-7-3 all-time when scoring three or more goals. The Friars are 9-0-0 this season when scoring three goals. Last season, Providence went 18-1-0 when scoring three or more, including a perfect 10-0-0 mark when scoring four and 5-0-0 when scoring five.
Scouting the Terriers
Boston University enters Wednesday as the No. 8 seed in the Hockey East Tournament. The Terriers split last weekend, defeating Providence, 3-1, at Walter Brown Arena before falling to Boston College, 4-0. Boston University holds a 5-12 record at home this season.
Who to Watch for Boston University
Senior forward Sydney Healey leads the Terriers with 26 points in 33 games on 15 goals and 11 assists, including two power-play goals. She is the only Boston University player with 20 or more points this season and has totaled one goal and two assists against the Friars this year. Luisa Welcke and Maeve Kelly each recorded a goal and an assist in last Friday's win over Providence.
In goal, Mari Pietersen and Michelle Pasiechnyk have split time this season. Pietersen has made 17 starts, posting a 2.34 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage and a 5-9-3 record. Pasiechnyk has started 18 games and owns a 2.52 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage and a 5-11-0 mark. Pasiechnyk appeared in both games last weekend.
All-Time Series with the Terriers
Boston University leads the all-time series, 37-20-7. The Friars are winless in their last eight meetings with the Terriers (0-6-2). Providence's last victory at Boston University came on Nov. 4, 2022, in a 3-2 overtime win. The teams met at Schneider Arena last November, where Boston University claimed a 4-1 victory in game one before the sides skated to a 2-2 tie in game two. The Terriers secured the extra point in the shootout. Last Friday, Boston University scored three unanswered goals in a 3-1 win after Providence opened the scoring.
-GO FRIARS!-
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/ Women's Ice HockeyWomen's Ice Hockey vs. Northeastern
Saturday, February 16
Women's Ice Hockey vs. UConn
Saturday, February 02
Women's Ice Hockey vs. Boston College
Saturday, January 26
Women's Ice Hockey vs. New Hampshire
Saturday, January 19
