Nov. 8, 2007

Former Friar women's ice hockey standout Karen Thatcher (Douglas, Mass.) as well as current junior forward Mari Pehkonen (Tampere, Finland) are participating in the 2007 Four Nations Cup. Thatcher, a 2006 graduate, is skating for Team USA, while Pehkonen is playing for Team Finland. The tourament will continue in Leksand, Sweden through November 11.

In Team USA's opening game versus Sweden on November 7, Thatcher scored what proved to be the game-winner, as Team USA defetaed Sweeden 4-0. While at Providence, Thatcher finished her record-breaking career with 167 points in 132 games played as she had a hand in PC's Hockey East Tournament titles in 2004 and 2005. Thatcher ranks 10th in career points. A top-10 Patty Kazmaier Finalist, Thatcher led the team in scoring for the second straight time in 2005 with 47 points. She earned the Hockey East Sportsmanship award three consecutive seasons as well as All-Academic honors. Thatcher was named an All-America second team selection, a Hockey East All-Star, New England Hockey Writers All-Star, and Providence College Athlete of the Year in her final season with the Friars.

Pehkonen is a seasoned veteran for Team Finland, having appeared in the 2006 Olympics and the 2007 World Championships. Through five games this season, she has notched a goal and an assist for the Friars. Last season Pehkonen appeared in 34 games for the Friars. She recorded 18 goals and 11 asssists for 29 points, as well as a team-high four game-winning goals.