Junior Peter Fregoe recorded his first career hat trick as the No. 10 Providence Friars defeated the Iona Gaels, 6-2, on Friday at Schneider Arena. It marked the Friars’ first game ever against a team from the MAAC.
The Friars opened up a 3-0 first-period lead with goals by Micheal Lucci at 3:57, Peter Fregoe at 4:44 and Marc Suderman at 11:24. Providence converted on two of three power-play opportunities in the opening 20 minutes of action.
At 9:28 of the second period, Fregoe notched his second goal of the game and seventh of the season, extending the Friars’ lead to 4-0.
The Gaels’ Mark Hallam tallied Iona’s first goal of the game at 11:01, and the Gaels then closed to within two goals when Ryan Manitowich netted a shorthanded tally at 14:44 of the second period.
But just 27 seconds later, Devin Rask notched the Friars’ third power-play goal of the game, increasing their lead to 5-2.
The Gaels had numerous opportunities in the third period but were unable to score again on Friars netminder Nolan Schaefer, who finished with 21 saves, including 10 in the third period.
With just over one minute remaining in the game, Fregoe tallied his third goal of the night, from Rask and Regan Kelly, to provide the final margin.
With the win, the Friars improved to 12-5-3 overall, while Iona fell to 9-9-2.
