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Providence College Unveils Renovations to Schneider Arena

Providence senior defenseman said that the shooting room is his favorite part of the new building from a player development standpoint.

By Jeff Cox
The view from the outside of the renovated Schneider Arena, home of the Providence College hockey programs.
The view from the outside of the renovated Schneider Arena, home of the Providence College hockey programs.
Jeff Cox

There might not be an athletic program in the entire country that is headed in the right direction more than the Providence College hockey program. The multi-million dollar renovation to Schneider Arena was unveiled to supporters and media members Friday night.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the upgraded facility Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll announced the college had extended Nate Leaman's contract through the 2021 season.

The rink that opened in 1973 will look nothing like what fans are used to when they come to watch a game for the first time this season.

"It's a great facility. They've done an amazing job. The excitement surrounding this building and this season is great. It will help with the development of the program and with the recruiting," said senior defenseman Steven Shamanski.

The arena which seats 2,978 has new boards, new scoreboards, new audio and video systems, a new press box and a new paint job. Five new luxury boxes were added, as well as a refurbishing of the existing Friars Club room. Six new ticket windows, as well as a ticket office were also added.

"The biggest thing for the fans is the new jumbotron that will allow them to see the replays and highlights," said Shamanski, a Carberry, Manitoba native.

New offices for the coaching staff, conference rooms equipped with a smart board for video breakdown, and a players lounge are some of the behind the scenes upgrades that fans might not notice.

One of the new additions to Schneider Arena is a shooting practice room with a floor designed so that pucks can slide with Plexiglas around it.

"The shooting room is a pretty neat experience. As a player I probably need to work on my shot a bit more so having that room there helps," said Shamanski.

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Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.