Feb. 4, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College junior defenseman Matt Taormina (Washington Township, Mich.) was named Hockey East Player of the Week on Monday, February 4. It marks the second time this season that Taormina has earned the league's player of the week accolades (he also earned the honor on November 12).

Taormina helped the 13th-ranked Friars to a 1-0-1 record last week. On February 1, Taormina scored the winning goal with 4:27 remaining in the third period to lift PC to a 3-2 win at No. 9 Boston College. It marked the Friars' first win at Kelley Rink since January 24, 2003. The following night, he recorded an assist as the Friars played Merrimack to a 1-1 overtime tie in North Andover, Mass. Taormina is tied for the team lead in scoring with 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists). He also leads the nation (among defensemen) with eight goals.

The Friars (12-9-3, 9-5-3 Hockey East), who are currently in third-place in the Hockey East standings, return to action on Friday, February 8 when they host Vermont at Schneider Arena.