The Providence College Friars are preparing for the 2026‑27 season with a clear objective: return to the national spotlight after a seven‑year absence from the Frozen Four. Head coach Nathan Leaman, now in his sixteenth year at the helm, brings a blend of continuity and ambition that the program has leaned on throughout its recent rebuilding phases.
A New Generation of Talent
Central to the Friars’ strategy is a freshman class that arrives with impressive résumés from junior leagues across North America. Each prospect carries a distinct profile, from defensive depth to offensive firepower, and all have already caught the eye of NHL scouts.
Everett Baldwin, a fifth‑round selection of the Tampa Bay Lightning, brings size and poise to the blue line after a 15‑goal, 44‑point campaign with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. Ryder Cali, drafted by the Florida Panthers, contributed 16 goals and 36 points in 47 games for the North Bay Battalion in the OHL, showcasing a knack for net‑front presence.
Between the pipes, Ben Hrebik posted a .920 save percentage and a 2.81 goals‑against average in the OHL, offering a reliable option for depth goaltending. Forward Carter Klippenstein, a fourth‑round pick of the Minnesota Wild, tallied 11 goals and 28 points in 38 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, underscoring his offensive upside.
Center J.J. Monteiro, who spent two seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, posted 23 goals and 71 points in 85 games, a production level that could translate into immediate impact on the Friars’ second line. Thomas Vandenberg, a fourth‑round prospect of the Los Angeles Kings, combined 25 goals with 25 assists for the Ottawa 67’s in the OHL, highlighting his playmaking ability.
Rounding out the group, Blake Zielinski ranked second in points for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL and earned a draft selection by the Los Angeles Kings, adding yet another offensive threat. Together, these newcomers form a layered roster that could provide the depth the Friars have lacked in recent seasons.
The coaching staff believes that the infusion of talent, paired with the experience of returning veterans, positions the program to challenge for a Hockey East title and, potentially, a deep run in the NCAA tournament. If the freshmen can adapt quickly to the college pace, the Friars may finally break the long‑standing barrier that has kept them from the Frozen Four since 2019.