On Tap: Minnesota State (0-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA) is at Providence (0-0-0, Hockey East) in nonconference action this weekend in the first games of 2013-14 for the Mavericks. MSU and PC play in Providence at Schneider Arena (3,030) Friday (7:00 p.m.) and Saturday (7:00 p.m.) EST.

About the MSU-PC Series: The Mavericks and the Friars have played six times in the all-time series between the two schools and Providence owns a 4-2-0 advantage in the series. PC won twice in Providence in 2002-03 (5-1 and 4-3) and then took two games in Mankato in 2003-04 (2-1 and 5-3) before Minnesota State 4-3 (overtime) and 4-0 wins in Mankato in 2012-13.

MSU Most Recently: The Mavericks hosted the University of Lethbridge in exhibition action Sunday and came away with a 7-1 win. Sophomore forward Teddy Blueger had a goal and three assists and senior forward Johnny McInnis contributed a goal and two assists in the win as MSU outshot Lethbridge by a 52-11 margin in the contest.

About the Friars: Ranked 14th in the U.S. College Hockey Online Preseason poll, Providence returns its top two scorers from a year ago in junior forward Ross Mauermann (12 12 24) and senior forward Derek Army (13-10--23). Goaltender Jon Gillies (.931, 2.08, 17-12- 6) earned All-America honors and was named HCA National Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Friars. Nate Leaman, who guided Providence to a 17-14-7 mark last year, is in his third season as head coach of the PC men's hockey program. In two seasons at helm, Leaman has led Friars to back-to-back Hockey East Championship semifinal appearances.

MSU On the Web: Tickets, Releases, statistics, player and staff biographies, etc. on all of Minnesota State's 20 sports are available at the official website of MSU Athletics located at www.msumavericks.com

MSU All-Time: The Minnesota State men's hockey program, begun in 1969-70, completed its 44th year of competition last year.

MSU is in its 17th year as a member of NCAA Division I (first DI season was 1997-98) and the Mavericks are entering their 15th season as members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The Mavericks sport an all-time record of 760-587-134 (.558).

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