PROVIDENCE, R.I. (September 30, 2006) - The Providence College women's ice hockey team opened the 2006-2007 hockey season with an exhibition game against the Toronto Jr. Aeros on Saturday, September 30. The Jr. Aeros scored with 34 seconds remaining in overtime to defeat the Friars, 2-1. Sophomore transfer Mari Pehkonen (Tampere, Finland) scored the lone Friar goal.

After a scoreless first period, Pehkonen found the net for the game's first goal on a cross from Boston College transfer Sarah Feldman (Fall River, Mass.) at 1:56 in the second period. The goal was scored on the Friar's first power play opportunity of the afternoon. The Jr. Aeros would tie the game at 11:56 in the second period on an even-strength goal from Courtney Birchard.

The game could not be decided after three periods as the teams headed to overtime. Whitney Kennedy, who assisted on the Aeros first goal, tallied the game-winner off of a powerplay to give the Jr. Aeros the 2-1 victory. The goal was asssited by Courtney Birchard and Christina Mancuso.

Providence will open the regular season at home on Saturday, October 14, at 1:00 p.m. hosting St. Lawrence. The Friars will then host Colgate on Sunday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m.