(Photo Courtesy of Learfieldimgcollege.com / PSE)

By: Edward Dunn | Follow Me On Twitter @EdwardDunn71

Game one for the Providence Bruins showed the fans something worth waiting for. The game had been away from us for so long due to the pandemic that no matter what the outcome, the fan base would be happy to see their team on the ice. For the Providence fan base, however, they would be even more pleased with the results. The Bruins kept the Sound Tigers caged in their own end in an impressive 4 – 1 victory in game one against Bridgeport. This series will showcase three shining stars, in no particular order, that proved worthy of recognition based on their performance on the ice.

Shining Star: Jeremy Swayman

(Photo Courtesy of Providence Bruins / Flickr)

Jeremy Swayman did everything right in the Bruins’ win, stopping twenty-six of twenty-seven shots against Bridgeport. In his debut with the Providence Bruins, the goaltender looked very comfortable inside the pipes and even ended up on both sides of the penalty stat sheet. Midway through the third period, Swayman was called for a penalty for interference putting him on the PIM stat sheet. Later in third, Swayman was given the task of defending a penalty shot by Robert Carpenter, and he defended his goal with precision. We as a fan base are excited to see what else Swayman has in his arsenal to keep the biscuit out of the basket in 2021.

Shining Star: Jakub Lauko

(Photo Courtesy of Providence Bruins / Flickr)

Jakub Lauko demonstrated tenacity and persistence around the puck in the opening day win. Lauko was the only player with two assists in the game. His first assist came on the game’s opening goal in the second period. It was on the powerplay as he was on the ice with Cooper Zech and goal scorer Zach Senyshyn making him a +1. The second assist came while short-handed with Ahcan and goal scorer Asselin in the third period giving the Bruins a 3 – 1 lead and making him a +2. Lauko was able to assist while having the extra skater and being down a man; we know there will be plenty more where that came from.

Shining Star: Samuel Asselin

( Photo Credit: Atlanta Gladiators )

Just one year ago, Samuel Asselin was skating with our Atlanta Gladiators. Now he earns the title of Shining Star with the Providence Bruins after his performance in game one against Bridgeport. Asselin scored the insurance goal midway through the third period. The 3 – 1 lamplighter was also a short-handed goal, making an even more impressive stance that Providence will do more than just dump the puck on the penalty kill. His aggressiveness and ability to work the puck into the net with his penalty kill line gives fans the ability to know that even when we are down a man, we still have the same chances to score. Fans do not wish to be on the penalty kill, but Friday, they were happy it turned out their way.

Who Will Shine Next?

As we await the results of the upcoming game on February 11th, 2021, against Hartford, who do you think will shine? Will we have any repeat stars, or will there be a new trio that comes to the forefront? Come back to find out.

Tune in to my Providence Bruins Podcast Too Many Dunns On The Ice

Follow the Podcast page @TooManyDunnsPVD

Get your Providence Bruins game previews from fellow Black N’ Gold colleague Tim Richardson. You can give him a follow on Twitter @TimARichardson