Providence College hockey coach Nate Leaman gets multiyear extension

PROVIDENCE — Nate Leaman has committed his immediate future to Providence.

The Friars announced a multiyear contract extension for their men’s hockey coach in a statement on Thursday morning. Exact terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Leaman led Providence to a national championship in 2015 and another Frozen Four berth in 2019. The Friars also earned a share of the regular-season Hockey East title in 2016, a conference tournament championship game appearance in 2018 and have posted a 225-136-51 record in his 11 seasons. Leaman was hired away from Union for the 2011-12 campaign and will be on the bench when Providence resumes action in October.

“We are fortunate to be given the resources to compete at a high level each season and to play our home games at Schneider Arena — one of the best facilities in college hockey,” Leaman said. “I will always appreciate the support we have received.

“I'm really excited for next season and the team we are returning.”

It was a timely piece of business for the Friars with a pair of high-profile jobs in their conference coming open over the past two months. Albie O’Connell was fired in March after four seasons at Boston University — former Terriers captain and current assistant coach Jay Pandolfo was named his replacement Thursday. Boston College coach Jerry York retired in April after 28 years and four national championships with the Eagles.

“A national championship and six NCAA Tournament appearances are just a few of the reasons why he's one of the top college hockey coaches in the country,” outgoing Providence athletic director Bob Driscoll said. “Nate has been and continues to be the perfect fit for Providence College men's hockey.”

Leaman was the Hockey East Coach of the Year in 2016 and is a three-time finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award — given to the top men’s hockey coach in Division I — with the Friars. The 49-year-old was nominated for the award with the Dutchmen in 2010 and won it in 2011 before leaving Union for Providence.

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The Friars have captured three NCAA team titles in their athletic department history and Leaman led them to what seemed an unlikely one seven years ago. Providence was an underdog while slipping through the postseason field and upended Boston University, 4-3, in the championship game. The Friars were just three years removed from a 14-20-4 finish in Leaman’s debut.

“I know with Nate at the helm, we will continue to solidify the championship culture we have established here in Friartown,” incoming Providence athletic director Steve Napolillo said. “His leadership is one of the many great aspects of Friar hockey. I'm looking forward to working with him for many years.”

PC alums in the NHL during Leaman’s tenure

Player development has been a program strength during Leaman’s tenure with the Friars. Providence had 10 alums on NHL ice at various points during the 2021-22 season — 13 in all have made their respective professional debuts after working under Leaman. Mark Jankowski is one of six All-Americans under Leaman with the Friars to date but the only first-round selection in the NHL Draft, going 21st overall to the Calgary Flames in 2012.

Four players under Leaman have signed as undrafted free agents and eventually reached the NHL. Johnston native Noel Acciari is among the quartet — he's appeared in 307 career games with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers. Former Bruins teammate Tim Schaller, Kevin Rooney and Brandon Tanev, who scored the winning goal against the Terriers to cap a third-period rally, are also members of that select list.

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Providence supported Leaman with a significant renovation of its home rink early in his tenure. The Friars staged a grand reopening for the facility in September 2013 after an eight-month project and a 30,000-square-foot addition that included new locker rooms, offices, luxury suites and more. Leaman has also been granted the latitude to work extensively with the USA Hockey youth setup, coaching three U.S. National Junior Teams and capturing a gold medal in the 2021 edition of IIHF World U20 Championship.

Leaman is 23 wins from tying Lou Lamoriello for the program’s all-time top spot. His overall career mark of 363-263-86 includes eight seasons and a 2010-11 ECAC regular season title with the Dutchmen. Driscoll — a hockey-playing alum of Ithaca, also in upstate New York — tabbed Leaman to replace Tim Army after six seasons.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence College hockey coach Leaman gets multiyear extension