BOSTON — Junior forward Trevor Mingoia is a noteworthy name among a Providence roster full of stellar stories.
The Fairport, N.Y., product is tied for the team lead in goals with 14, but there is one achievement that he alone can claim. In fact, he may be the only case ever.
That accomplishment is thus: Mingoia is certainly the only Providence player to make the Frozen Four with two different programs; he could very well be the only player to do so in the history of college hockey.
“I was originally recruited by Coach Leaman and Coach [Ben] Barr at Union my junior year at Berkshire School,” he said. “The summer going into my freshman year at Union, Coach Barr and Coach Leaman took the job at Providence, so unfortunately I never was able to play for them, and I was left a bit with a coaching staff that I never knew.”
Mingoia appeared in 18 games wearing the Dutchmen’s garnet and white, accumulating three goals and six points, but did not play in any of Union’s three NCAA tournament contests.
“I did my freshman year there, and as sophomore year came around, I thought it would be best for my hockey career to go to Providence; I thought I would get some more playing time there. I didn’t really fit into the system at Union. It’s nothing against their coaching or anything; it’s just a decision I had to make to try and continue my career in hockey. I thought Providence was the best choice, especially knowing Coach Barr and Coach Leaman, knowing that couple coaches wanted me there.”
Mingoia emphasized no offense or ill will toward anyone at Union, including current head coach Rick Bennett, who was an assistant throughout Mingoia’s recruitment.
“I knew [Bennett], but we didn’t have too much contact,” Mingoia said. “He was a really good coach, treated me well there, but it just wasn’t a good fit.”
While Mingoia never regretted leaving Schenectady — even when Union won it all last spring — the sniper said the greatest loss he suffered during the transition was in parting with his friends and classmates.
“I talk to those guys all the time. [Classmate and current Philadelphia Flyers defenseman] Shayne Gostisbehere’s one of my best friends; I talk to him almost weekly. Dan Ciampini, pretty much everybody in that class I was with.
“The biggest thing I miss is the guys. I loved Union. I thought it was a great school, I had a lot of fun there. But Providence overall is just a much better fit for me.”
With 29 points and counting, the Friars are unlikely to disagree.
