PC Hockey's Leaman Talks Playoff Game, Chance at Another National Championship, and Cooley

PC Hockey's Leaman Talks Playoff Game, Chance at Another National Championship, and Cooley

At Providence College, there are a number of successful coaches. 

While Men’s Basketball's Ed Cooley has been notching numerous honors already in a record year, it’s Men’s Hockey Coach Nate Leaman who counts a National Championship under his belt — and is going for another as the Friars welcome Vermont Wednesday night on campus for a Hockey East opening round matchup.

 “It is [a bit of trap game] because we're down two or three players,” Leaman told GoLocal. “But look, you're fortunate to be playing in the playoffs. There were only three games that separated the top eight teams in our league this year.”

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“So our tournament this year is a pick-em — it's great for our league, it's great for our sport and we're one of those teams in the hunt and you know we get to start Wednesday at home,” he continued. 

The Friars and Catamounts will meet for the fourth time this season. Providence swept the season series, 3-0-0, including a 4-1 win at Schneider Arena back on February 5.  

The seventh-seeded Friars battle the 10th-seeded Catamounts, however, for the first time ever in the Hockey East Tournament. The only postseason meeting between the schools came in the 1975 ECAC Quarterfinals as Vermont defeated the Friars by a 7-5 score.

“They’re a big, heavy team…probably the biggest team in the league,” said Leaman of the 21-22 Vermont squad the Friars face on Wednesday night. “Winning areas can be difficult at times…we have to make it more of a skating game. You’ve got to put pucks to areas to make races. You’ve got to play to your advantage.”

Leaman also spoke with GoLocal about Cooley’s Friars, and how he “loves how Cooley's getting the attention.”

“They’ve built a building for him. He’s in his own building,” Leaman said, laughing. “I love the season they’re having. They’re old, they’re mentally tough, they’re strong and he’s got a great opportunity.”

“I’m one of his biggest fans,” said Leaman. “I know how hard it is. So that’s why to see him having a year like he’s having, I couldn’t be happier for him.”