By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter / X @BlackAndGold277
Last night, the Providence Bruins got back on the ice after a long offseason to play game one of the 2023 preseason schedule, beating the Springfield Thunderbirds by the score of 5-0. The first of two preseason games was held last night at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, in front of 3,425 Thunderbirds fans.
Getting the start in goal on the road last night was 24-year-old netminder Michael DiPietro, who signed a one-year, two-way contract in July of 2023 to stay with the Bruins organization and develop for another year. DiPietro stopped all 14 shots he faced playing half the game and looked in mid-season form. Coming in halfway through last night’s preseason tilt against the Thunderbirds in relief of DiPietro was Providence goaltender Kyle Keyser, who helped preserve the team shutout on the road, stopping all 17 Thunderbirds shots he faced.
Providence Bruins Players With Goals Last Night in the Victory Over Springfield
Brooklyn Kalmikov started the scoring when he sped up the right wing on a two-on-one, wristing the puck under Thunderbirds goaltender Zherenko’s arm for the 1-0 lead at the 3:12 mark of the second period unassisted. Kalmikov, a 22-year-old versatile winger, recently signed a free agent deal in July of 2023 to play with the ECHL Maine Mariners this upcoming season.
John Farinacci got the Bruins second goal of the game at the 6:05 mark of the second period, assisted by Bruins forward prospect Brett Harrison and Brooklyn Kalmikov. The former Harvard Crimson captain worked his way in from the right side boards, giving his Providence team the 2-0 lead. The Arizona Coyotes originally drafted the 22-year-old Farinacci in the third round, but after his NCAA career was over, both the Arizona organization and Farinacci camp parted ways. John would later sign a two-year, entry-level deal with the Boston Bruins in mid-August of 2023.
Owen Pederson got his Providence Bruins to a 3-0 lead at the 7:27 mark of an offensive onslaught in the second period. Pederson’s first preseason goal as a first-year pro was assisted by forward Cole Dubinski and defenseman Alex Regula. Pederson, a 6′-4″ 205-pound versatile forward, signed a two-year, AHL-Only deal with the Providence Bruins after spending several seasons in the WHL. The 21-year-old had a career year in his final season with the now-defunct Winnipeg Ice, where he posted 32-42-74 numbers in 65 games in the 2022-23 campaign.
Cole Dubinski got the fourth Providence Bruins goal at the 3:04 mark of the third period, assisted by defenseman Gabriel Chicoine and fellow blueliner and upcoming first-year pro Ethan Ritchie. Dubinski is with the Providence team on a tryout basis in the AHL Bruins training camp. The 20-year-old is signed to play the upcoming 2023-24 season with the ECHL Maine Mariners and is a solid option for AHL recall if a forward roster spot is needed due to injuries.
Vincent Arseneau finished the scoring for the Providence club at the 6:24 mark of the third period, assisted by defensemen Frederic Brunet and Alex Regula. Arseneau was acquired in a trade over this offseason for future considerations with the Abbottsford Canucks. Vincent stands at 6′-2″, 216 pounds, and is widely known for his physicality and dropping the gloves to either turn his team’s momentum or stick up for a player whom an opponent took liberties on.
Final Preseason Game Before the 2023-24 American Hockey League Season Starts Next Friday Night
Tonight at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, the Providence Bruins finish their two-game preseason schedule as they face last night’s opponent again, the Springfield Thunderbirds. The puck drops at 7pm from the Amica this evening and is the final tune-up before Providence officially kicks off the 2023-24 regular season this coming Friday night against the Atlantic Division rival, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Providence Bruins Ticket Information for All Home Games at the Amica Mutual Pavilion for the Upcoming 2023-24 Regular Season
If you’d like to purchase Providence Bruins tickets for any home game this season, please check out this link HERE for individual seats and scheduled promotional nights that are fun for family and friends. For group tickets or business outings, please click HERE. For the ultimate Providence Bruins home game experience with food and drink options, please click HERE for all private suite rentals.
Leave a Reply