Hey hockey fans! Get ready for an action-packed weekend as the Brown Bears men’s hockey team opens their 2023-24 season at home. On Friday night, they’ll be facing off against conference rival Yale, followed by a game against Division I newcomer Stonehill on Sunday. The puck drops at 8 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, and you can catch all the action on ESPN+ in the United States and Stretch Internet internationally.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! There are some fantastic fan experiences lined up for both games. Friday’s game is a Faculty & Staff game, so all Brown faculty and staff can redeem four complimentary tickets. And on Sunday, it’s Pink the Rink and Youth Day, so make sure to wear pink and join the Bears for a postgame skate.
And that’s not all! Throughout the season, fans can participate in the Cabot Cheese Sharp Shooter of the game and an intermission Chuck-a-Puck. These fun activities are free for fans all season long.
If you’re feeling thirsty or hungry during the games, you’re in luck! Brown Athletics has expanded its partnership with Narragansett Brewery, so you can now purchase Narragansett Brewery products at the concession stands. Cheers to that!
Now let’s talk about the team. The Brown Bears are ready to make their mark in the 2023-24 season. With a roster of 29 players, including 17 forwards, eight defensemen, and four goaltenders, they have a strong lineup. The team is a mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, with players from the United States, Canada, and even China.
Keep an eye on Ryan Bottrill and Jordan Tonelli, who were the top two forward scorers last season. Bottrill had six goals and 15 assists, while Tonelli had seven goals and 17 points. On the defensive end, Tony Andreozzi, Brett Bliss, and Jackson Munro are the ones to watch.
Now let’s talk about their opponents. The Yale Bulldogs are looking to improve from their 10th-place finish last year. They have a strong offense, with five of their six leading scorers from last season returning. Ian Carpentier, who had nine goals and 17 points, will be a key player to watch. And don’t forget about their goalies, Luke Pearson and Nathan Reid, who both had significant minutes last season.
As for Stonehill, they’re in their first Division I season and are eager to make a name for themselves. Although they have a 0-5 overall record, they have some talented players, like Frank Ireland and Kyle Heath. Dylan Meilun and Gavin FitzPatrick will be guarding the net for the Skyhawks.
The Brown Bears have a long history with both Yale and Stonehill. The game on Friday will be the 193rd meeting between Brown and Yale, dating all the way back to 1898. Brown has a 78-106-8 all-time record against the Bulldogs, with a 41-41-3 home record. And at Meehan Auditorium, Brown has a 33-29-3 record against Yale.
Sunday’s game against Stonehill will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams. It’s always exciting to see new matchups!
If you’re a fan of Brown Athletics and want to support the Bears, consider making a gift through the Brown University Sports Foundation. Your support helps enhance the student-athlete experience and makes a difference both on and off the ice.
Don’t forget to follow Brown Athletics on social media for the latest updates. You can find them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting weekend of hockey! Go Bears!