Following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, the EHL officially welcomed to the league, three stand-out youth programs from the Eastern Hockey Federation (EHF) -- the Boston Jr. Eagles, Boston Jr. Terriers, and Providence Hockey Club.

While the Eagles chose to begin their first season of junior hockey this upcoming fall, during the 2024-25 campaign, the Terriers and Providence got started right away, and each team is currently fighting for playoff positioning right in the thick of each of their respective divisions.

Now, looking ahead to their second year in the league, Providence was eager and excited at the prospect of adding an EHLP roster to their program.

“We are beyond excited to add an EHLP team under our umbrella, as we continue to build as a program, each and every day here in Rhode Island," said Providence Hockey Club head coach and general manager Jeff Perreault. "I couldn’t be more proud to be adding both Matt Fawcett and Ben Thomas onto our staff as full-time coaches, effective immediately. With both of them growing up and playing hockey here in the northeast, they have a tremendous outreach filled with plenty of beneficial connections throughout the region. At Providence, and under the guidance of Matt and Ben, we will continue to strive to give each and every player a very high-end junior hockey experience that will optimize their chance of playing college hockey.”

As Perreault mentioned, Providence is adding a pair of great resumes to their coaching staff, with Fawcett set to become the Head Coach of the new EHLP team. Fawcett believes his experience playing in both the United States Hockey League (USHL) and British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), as well as his time in the NCAA Division I ranks, will all be beneficial when he steps behind the bench for the first time this fall.

"I am extremely excited to be named the head coach of the PHC Premier team for the start of next season," said Fawcett. "It is an honor to step into this position, and I look forward to having a competitive team and developing players to move them onto the next level in their career.”

As for Thomas, he himself boasts a resume with plenty of junior hockey experience, and while he's had the chance to help out PHC already this season, he's looking forward to his increased role with the program.

“I’m very optimistic to be returning as a coach for Providence next year," said Thomas. "I believe going into our second year, as an organization, we will be firing on all cylinders. With the addition of an EHLP team, I’m excited to be working alongside Matt and I’m excited to continue working alongside Jeff with the EHL team.”

The Providence EHL team is currently riding a three-game winning streak, and if the postseason began today, they would enter the playoffs as the #3 seed in the Central Division.