PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Men's ice hockey associate head coach Rick Bennett will be inducted into the Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, March 4, 2011, the school announced Thursday.
Bennett enjoyed a standout career as a student-athlete at Providence, where he was best recognized for his versatility. In his years at PC, the powerful left wing played center, played defense, played on the power play and killed penalties. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication led Bennett to be a 1990 Hobey Baker Finalist. A former Friar co-captain, Bennett earned Second Team All-HOCKEY EAST honors in 1990. In 1987, he was named to the HOCKEY EAST All-Rookie Team. He was a two-time winner of the Lamoriello Trophy as Team MVP for Providence. In 1989, he tallied 46 points and was named Second Team All-American. Bennett participated in two U.S. Olympic Sports Festivals where he won a gold medal for the West Team in 1989. Bennett ranks 24th all-time at Providence with 134 points in 128 games. Bennett played three seasons with the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League.
Before joining the Union coaching staff in 2005, Bennett spent five years as an assistant coach at Providence. His first two years with the Friars he worked with the defense and then worked with the forwards his final three seasons. During his tenure Bennett also coached the team's power play, handled team travel, recruiting, and academics.
Since stepping foot on the Union College campus, Bennett has helped mold the Dutchmen into one of the top defensive teams in ECAC Hockey. Last season Bennett mentored one of the top defensive teams in the ECAC, as Union allowed just 100 goals in 39 games.
Through 12 games this season, Union is tied for third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 1.92 goals per game.
Joining Bennett in the Providence College Athletic Hall of Fame will be eight other inductees: John Evans (men's cross country/track), Siobhan Gallagher (women's cross country/track), Austin Croshere (men's basketball), Cindi Luciani (women's swimming and diving), Lucie Fontanella (women's basketball), Sara DeCosta (women's ice hockey), Jeff Morneau (men's tennis) and Gerry Alaimo (former athletic administrator). A reception to honor the inductees will be held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Providence on Friday, March 4, starting at 6:00 p.m.
