PROVIDENCE, RI. – The Providence Bruins open their season up on Friday, February 5th against a fellow New England foe in the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. While this start date is atypical for a typical season, it serves as a sigh of relief for a fanbase that is desperate to see the next generation of Boston Bruins superstars.

The P-Bruins finished the 2019-20 season atop the Atlantic Division with a 38–18–3 record that surely would have bode well into the playoffs. While the current state of the world is full of “what if’s” and “What could have beens,” the P-Bruins are focused on repeating what the did last year and most importantly, finishing what they started.

Initial Schedule:

Friday, February 5th, 2021 vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers—1:00 p.m. ET

Thursday, February 11th, 2021  vs. Hartford Wold Pack—1:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, February 13th, 2021 @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers– 1:00 p.m. ET

Friday, February 19th, 2021 @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers— 1:00 p.m. ET`

Sunday, February 21st, 2021 @ Hartford Wolf Pack– 1:00 p.m. ET

Thursday, February 25th vs, Bridgeport Sound Tigers–1:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, February 27th @ Hartford Wolf Pack– 1:00 p.m. ET

Tuesday, March 2nd @ Hartford Wolf Pack–1:00 p.m. ET

Thursday, March 4th vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers– 1:00 ET

Monday, March 8th vs. Hartford Wolf Pack–1:00 ET

 

Head Coach: Jay Leach – fourth season with P-Bruins; 121–71–14 career coaching record.

Captain: Paul Carey: Carey is serving his second season as the captain of the Providence Bruins. Carey scored 22 goals in 2019-20 while adding 17 assists to be a productive player for the P-Bruins. The Weymouth, MA native is a consistent 20-goal scorer at the AHL level who brings consistency and loyalty to the Providence Bruins organization.

Last Season: The Bruins finished the partial season with a 38–18–3 record, good for first in Atlantic Division.

2019–20 Season Summary: The Providence Bruins of last season were gifted the enormous depth that the Boston Bruins were in ownership of but were unable to incorporate into their lineup. The P-Bruins were led offensively by forward Jack Studicka who led the team with 23 goals and 26 assists in 60 games while the other players in the lineup provided consistent numbers to contribute to the team’s success. The squad will likely be without both Studnicka and defenseman Jakub Zboril, who have seemed to carve spots with the Boston Bruins, but players like Carey and Robert Lantosi look to produce for a team that is ready to replace depth that has left them for the NHL.

Hot or Not?

Well, losing the likes of Studnicka, Zboril and center Trent Frederic appear to signify the developments of rebuilding, but goaltender Dan Vladar is somebody the organization can count on to lead them to the promise land. Backup goalie Jeremy Swayman seems to be a future NHL standout and developing at the AHL level seems to be a good situation for the often overlooked goaltender out of the University of Maine.

Who’s Back?

• Carey (F): He will be the leader this team needs. The winger signifies everything that is right with youth hockey development within the region of New England, and is a consistent 20-goal scorer for the P-Bruins.
• Vladar (G): He deserves recognition for his phenomenal 2019-20 season, where he posted a 14-7-1 record with three shutouts and 1.79 GAA. If he keeps up the pace, Boston Bruins fans will finally have a suitable replacement for the lovable goaltender Tukka Rask.

Who’s Through?

• Brendan Gaunce (F): The 37-point (18G, 19A) contributor in 2019-20 has taken his talents to Sweden and joined the Växajö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League for this season. While it is disappointing for the team to lose him, Gaunce’s NHL potential is shrinking and therefore this decision makes sense.
• Peter Cehalrik (F):  Cehlarik was an NHL caliber player participating at the AHL level, so his presence will surely be missed. He is off to the Swedish Hockey League to play for the Leksands.
• Studnicka (F) and Zboril (D) appear to be players that will stick at the NHL level. While they may make appearances for the Baby Bruins, they are focused on cracking the Boston Bruins roster and may struggle to make too much of an impact for the Rhode Island professional team.

Who’s New?

• Swayman (G): The UMaine prodigy brings elite competitiveness and drive to the organization, and will challenge Vladar for time, which shows that the P-Bruins are in great hands when it comes to goaltending.
• Greg McKegg (F): A centerman who possesses NHL talent but still plays in the AHL. If the NHL squad remains healthy, McKegg displays the ability to be an impact player at the AHL level.

What to Watch For?

• The depth of the Boston Bruins minor league system has been continually praised, but now they are finally being put to the test. This season’s team possesses several players who think a future in the NHL awaits them, and if players like Senyshyn want to fellowmen the footsteps of their contemporaries, they need to prove it, and a Calder Cup would look mighty nice on the resume.