June 29, 1998

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence College sophomores Jay Leach of Altamont, N.Y. and Mike Farrell of Carmel, Ind. were selected in the NHL Entry Draft on Saturday, June 27. Leach was drafted in the fifth round (115th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes and Farrell was drafted in the eighth round (220th overall) by the Washington Capitals. PC now has seven members of its 1998-99 hockey team drafted by NHL squads.

Leach, a 6-foot-4-inch, 210-pound defenseman recorded eight points (eight assists) in 32 games last season for the Friars. He also was a member of the 1998 U.S. National World Junior Team that competed at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Finland. Leach, a 1997 graduate of Albany Academy, played for the Capital District Selects of the MTJHL prior to attending Providence.

Farrell, a 6-foot-2-inch, 215-pound defenseman tallied 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in 33 games in 1997-98. Farrell finished his rookie season strong for the Friars as he recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last 18 games after moving from forward to defense. He is a 1997 graduate of Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind.