News Summary
The Providence Bruins have officially announced the appointment of Ryan Bourque as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. With extensive AHL experience and a strong background in coaching, including his recent role with the US National Team Development Program, Bourque is set to support head coach Ryan Mougenel. This coaching change aligns with the Bruins’ efforts to bolster their roster as they prepare for a competitive season in the AHL, amid notable player signings and injuries impacting the lineup.
Providence, Rhode Island — The Providence Bruins have announced that Ryan Bourque will join their coaching staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the team as they prepare for another competitive season in the American Hockey League (AHL). Bourque will work alongside head coach Ryan Mougenel, who is set to begin his fifth season at the helm.
Bourque brings a wealth of hockey experience to the Providence Bruins, having played a total of 585 AHL games over nine seasons. His professional career includes stints with several teams, including the Connecticut/Hartford Wolf Pack, Hershey Bears, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and the Charlotte Checkers. Throughout those years, Bourque found the net 85 times and accumulated 203 points, showcasing his offensive talent on the ice.
Drafted in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers, Bourque briefly took the leap to the NHL, playing one game during the 2014-15 season. After retiring from professional play, he transitioned into coaching. In the most recent season, Bourque served as an assistant coach with the US National Team Development Program, further solidifying his credentials in player development. Additionally, he was an assistant coach with the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he was the head coach of the boys’ hockey team at Cushing Academy, a prestigious preparatory school in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, where he honed his skills in developing young talent.
The Providence Bruins are not only focusing on coaching changes but also enhancing their roster ahead of the new season. They recently signed defenseman Connor Carrick to a one-year, two-way contract, bolstering their defensive unit. Carrick enjoyed a strong 2022-23 AHL season with the P-Bruins, netting six goals and totaling 44 points in 63 games played. Following the NHL off-season, he moved on to the AHL, where he played for the Coachella Valley Firebirds and the Bakersfield Condors, tallying 75 points in 133 games before signing a two-year deal with HC Lugano in Switzerland’s National League.
In addition to coaching and player acquisitions, the Providence Bruins are looking ahead to the regular season’s conclusion and the subsequent NHL postseason. Players such as Fraser Minten, Fabian Lysell, and Vinni Lettieri are expected to return to the team after their NHL regular season commitments are finished. Their potential return is anticipated to add significant depth to the P-Bruins’ training camp, making for a competitive roster.
However, the team is also facing setbacks; Georgii Merkulov is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season due to injury. Despite this obstacle, Merkulov has made an impact this season, contributing 15 goals and 39 assists in just 59 games.
The Providence Bruins organization is committed to fostering a competitive environment for player development as they look forward to building a strong team dynamic amidst these changes. With the hiring of Bourque and the bolstered roster, the P-Bruins are positioned to pursue success in the upcoming season while continuing their tradition of nurturing young hockey talent.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Bruins Game Details
- Wikipedia: American Hockey League
- Boston Globe: Ryan Bourque Joins Bruins
- Google Search: Boston Bruins
- MassLive: Bruins Prospect Injury Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Hockey
- The Hockey News: Former Bruins Defenseman
- Google News: Providence Bruins
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
