Bennett to be inducted into Providence College Hall of Fame

Rick Bennett

Union College Associate Head Coach Rick Bennett will be inducted into the Providence College Hall of Fame on March 4, 2011.

During his time as a Friar (1986-1990), Bennett was a Hobey Baker finalist, Co-Captain, second team All-Hockey East, Hockey East All-Rookie team, two time team MVP, and second team All-American. In 128 NCAA games he registered 134 points. He spent five years on the Providence coaching staff before coming to Union.

He was picked 54th overall in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, ahead of Jyrki Lumme (468 career points), Rob Brown (438 career points), and Darren Turcotte (411 career points). He played in 15 games with the New York Rangers where he totaled one goal and one assist. Bennett also spent a lot of time in the AHL and ECHL, including four games with the Albany River Rats.

Go to Hockey DB for his full career stats.

For more check out Union Athletics.com.

While Head Coach Nate Leaman gets a lot of credit for building Union's program to where it is today, Bennett should also receive a lot of credit. He plays a major part in recruiting and has obviously done a great job in recent years. I'm sure his Hockey East background helps in recruiting. I hate to say this, but he will get a head coaching job somewhere very soon, so let's enjoy him while we have him in Schenectady.

Fun Fact: Coach Bennett has his own Wikipedia page and says his full name is Eric John "Rick" Bennett. Maybe somebody should expand his page...

Congrats Coach Bennett!