Chaput
grew up miles from the Providence campus in Pawtucket,
R.I.
Key
Statistics: Chaput recorded 34 points last season
(12 goals, 22 assists) and earned honorable mention All-Hockey
East recognition.
What
He Does: Chaput’s skating and his hockey sense
make him a very dangerous offensive player. While only 5-foot-10,
he’s got surprising strength on his stick, making him
effective down low and he’s got the hands to finish
plays around the net. As a senior, he’ll also be looked
to for leadership on a team that will need significant contributions
from its talented freshman and sophomore classes.
The
Bigger Picture: Chaput was, in many ways, born to
be a Friar. He skated in the Edgewood Youth Hockey program
out of Schneider Arena as a kid and played two high school
state championships in the rink as well. When it came time
for recruiting the 17-year-old freshman-to-be, Providence
had it easy. He’s grown into his role as the team’s
offensive leader, emerging from the shadows of Jon DiSalvatore,
Peter Fregoe and Devin Rask last season. He doesn’t
turn 21 until Nov. 20, but already is entrenched as the Friars’
most gifted offensive player.
Providence
associate head coach David Berard on Chaput: “He’s
made steady improvements each of his first three years. We’re
expecting and hoping for a breakout year. We’d like
to see him go from 35 points to 45 or 50 points, and he has
the ability to do it.”
