FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   August 22, 2000
Contact: Arthur Parks (401) 865-2759

FORMER FRIAR GREAT RICK BENNETT NAMED
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE ASSISTANT HOCKEY COACH

        PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College Assistant Vice President for
Athletics John Marinatto and Head Hockey Coach Paul Pooley today announced
the appointment of Rick Bennett as assistant hockey coach at the College.
Bennett replaces Brad Willner who resigned in July.
        Bennett will be involved with all aspects of on-ice instruction.  He also
will work with PC's defensemen, assist with recruiting and monitor the
team's academic progress.
        A native of Springfield, Mass., Bennett is very familiar with Providence
College hockey.  A 1990 graduate of the College, Bennett ranks 21st
all-time in scoring at PC with 134 points (50 goals, 84 assists).  In
1988-89, he notched 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) and earned Second-Team
All-America honors.  As a senior at Providence, Bennett recorded 36 points
(12 goals, 24 assists) and was a Hobey Baker Finalist.  He also earned
Second-Team All-HOCKEY EAST accolades in 1990.
        Since graduating from Providence, Bennett has played professional hockey.
From 1990-93, Bennett played for the Binghamton Rangers of the AHL and saw
action in 15 games for the New York Rangers (NHL).  After leaving
Binghamton, he spent two seasons with the Springfield Indians of the AHL.
 Bennett played his final four seasons of professional hockey (1995-99) for
the Jacksonville Lizard Kings (ECHL) and the Pee Dee Pride (ECHL).  In
addition to playing for the Lizard Kings and the Pride, Bennett also served
as an assistant coach for each team.
        "We are very excited to have Rick join our coaching staff at PC," Pooley
said.  "He was one of the top players in the history of Friar hockey.  Rick
brings a great passion and enthusiasm to the position, as well as an
incredible knowledge of the game."
        Bennett, Pooley and Friar Volunteer Assistant Coach Rob Gaudreau were all
Hobey Baker Finalists, giving Providence the distinct honor of being the
only program in the country with three Finalists on its coaching staff.
        The 32-year-old Bennett and his wife, Karyn, have three children, Hayley,
Brooke and Race.

FOR TRANSACTIONS: Providence named Rick Bennett assistant coach for men's
hockey.


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