Record-Setting Freshman Phenom Nick Coveny Carries Providence Catholic In His Second Season

Nick Coveny had a freshman season to remember a year ago, leading Providence Catholic in scoring and he finished in the top 10 in the Chicago Catholic Hockey League (CCHL). He set multiple school records, including:

•    Most points by a freshman (48), surpassing the previous record (41) set in 2012. Coveny had 24 goals and 25 assists in 48 games played.
•    Most goals by a freshman (24), breaking the previous record of 14.

“Nick embodies every quality a coach values: exceptional work ethic, highly coachable, fiercely competitive, a team-first mentality and consistently productive,” said Providence Catholic head coach Nick Iaciancio

Coveny is a star this season, too. He has 9 goals and 4 assists in the Celtics’ first nine CCHL games, including a goal and two assists in their 5-1 win over St. Rita on November 21.

“My play is defined by a strong hockey IQ and a well-rounded approach to the game. I read plays quickly and anticipate the flow of the action, which helps me make smart decisions with and without the puck,” Coveny said. “I have patience with the puck that supports me in moving the puck efficiently and creating scoring opportunities for my teammates. I know what to do with the puck before I get it and position myself when off the puck to stay involved in every play and maintain control of the pace. 

“I am constantly in my basement shooting pucks working on accuracy so I can take advantage of any scoring opportunity on the ice. I am a player who’s willing to take hits, block shots and grind until the final buzzer. I am locked in to do whatever is necessary to get a win.”

His freshman season was truly one to remember, though admittedly he was a bit intimidated at first. But, playing alongside some familiar faces from the Joliet Jaguars made the transition easier, he said. 

“It was a goal of mine to make varsity as a freshman, and I worked hard to achieve it. I was able to quickly build strong connections with my new teammates, which helped me work effectively on the ice and contribute to the team’s success,” he said. “One of my favorite memories from (last season) was traveling to Minnesota for a tournament. In the locker room before the game, Coach Matt (Iaciancio) told me I had tied the record for most points in a game and needed just one more to break it. The previous record (42) had been set by Coach Matt back in 2011. That day, we faced Wayzata, a team with some really strong players. Not only did we want to beat them, but the freshman points record was on the line. In the second period, I received a pass from center Fin Harris and scored to break the record. I celebrated with a ‘superman celly’ in front of our fans, and my teammates jumped on me in excitement. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever. I’m incredibly proud not only of breaking that points record, but also of setting the record for most goals as a freshman.

“My parents have always told me that I am one of the most determined people they know. Once I set a goal, I don’t stop until I achieve it—whether on the ice or in any other aspect of my life. Breaking the school record for most points and goals as a freshman is one example of that determination. I set my sights on winning the NIHL championship, and we did. I aimed to join the 750-pound club at Providence, and I accomplished it. I wanted to make varsity as a freshman, and I succeeded. I am proud of these accomplishments, but I know I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of my parents, teammates and coaches.”

Coveny is optimistic for the 2025-26 Celtics run in the CCHL and the state tournament as the club is filled with “some really talented players,” he said. “We face challenges head-on and know how to respond. Our captains do a great job of getting everyone hyped before games and making sure we’re locked in so we can play our best. This team is full of hard workers who will do whatever it takes to win. I have so much respect for these guys, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else. They mean a lot to me, and ever since last season’s heartbreaking loss to Brother Rice in game 3 of the Kennedy Cup quarterfinals, we’ve been fired up to come back stronger and show everyone what we can do together as a team. This season, we’re also hoping to get more students in the stands, boost school spirit and keep the energy high both on and off the ice.”

And of course, winning the Kennedy Cup is a top goal for this team, though Saint Ignatius is a large obstacle as the Wolfpack has won the last four.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to take down Ignatius,” Coveny said. “They’re a talented, disciplined team with a consistent style of play—but PC is ready to put an end to their winning streak.

“The team is starting to come together. We’ve got a well-balanced lineup; our coaches and captains do an excellent job keeping us focused on our ultimate goal — bringing home the Kennedy Cup. As long as we stay healthy, I truly believe we have the talent and drive to make it happen.

“One of our biggest strengths (this season) is our leadership — our captains do a great job keeping everyone focused during games. Our power play unit has been strong, and when we’re at our best, our passing and shot blocking really help us stay competitive. We also have solid goaltending that gives us confidence every time we hit the ice. Each week we review film and take notes on areas we can improve, and on Mondays we work out together as a team. Our practices are designed to simulate end-game situations and help us respond to adversity during tough moments. We’re not the biggest team, so we put a lot of emphasis on skill development and speed to give us an edge against larger opponents.

“My favorite moment this season has to be scoring the overtime winner against Brother Rice. After losing to them last year, we were fired up to get a win. I had a breakaway in overtime, took the shot and scored—then my teammates piled on me to celebrate. Winning that game and celebrating in the locker room with the team is something I’ll never forget.”

Coveny, 16, who lives in Minooka, is a left-handed shooting left wing in jersey No. 11, the same number he’s worn since he was a mite. He learned to skate in Joliet at age 4 and played for the Jaguars until landing at Providence. “I’ve always wanted to play hockey for Providence—to represent my school and keep playing with the friends I grew up with,” he said. “Watching my best friend’s brother play there and feeling the energy from the student section made me want to be part of that excitement myself.”

Coveny earned multiple playmaker and hat trick patches while playing for the Jaguars, as well as MVP/Player of the Game in the NIHL championship. 

As a Providence freshman, he tallied 49 points, breaking two school records during the season.

“One of the biggest highlights of my hockey career has to be my second year as a bantam, when my team won the NIHL league championship. That season was extra special because it was my last year playing as a Jaguar alongside my best friend, Ryne Zschach. When we were kids, we’d go watch the NIHL championship games and dream about being out there one day. So, to finally make it to that stage — and win it — with the same guys I grew up playing with was unreal.

“The energy that day was incredible. The crowd was loud, our bench was buzzing, and you could just feel how much everyone wanted it. When that final buzzer went off, it was pure joy — the kind of moment you never forget. We celebrated hard after that game, and honestly, we earned it. That team was special. Everyone knew their role, trusted each other, and pulled together to make that championship happen.”

HARDSHIPS
Coveny’s sophomore season took a scary turn during the off-season in what he tagged as, “one of the scariest moments of my life.” Coveny was in Ely, Minnesota, for the family’s annual vacation, sitting in a lawn chair when one of their dogs accidentally hit the gas pedal on a golf cart, which ran him over – the wheel spun over his face at full speed. 

“My dad had to lift the golf cart off me,” Coveny said. “I was rushed to Ely Hospital by ambulance, and they took x-rays and a CT scan to evaluate my injuries. My face was scratched and bleeding heavily, and I had scrapes across my knees, legs, sides and a burn on my shoulder from the tire. Thankfully, I didn’t suffer any broken bones or internal injuries, and by the grace of God, the accident wasn’t worse and it was during the off-season. I now have scars on my face, left leg, shoulder and hip. I took it easy for the rest of vacation instead of doing formal rehab, allowing my body to heal naturally. Once we were home from vacation, my shoulder continued to hurt and worried me. I had sustained a fractured growth plate in a previous injury, and I worried that my shoulder might affect my upcoming hockey season. My first thought was, ‘Am I going to be able to play?’ I visited the orthopedic doctor to assess my shoulder and make sure it was ready for the upcoming season. It was diagnosed as a bone bruise, and I was fully recovered before the season began. 

“This experience taught me that I can endure serious accidents and bounce back. I’m now at 100 percent and continuing to work hard to achieve my goals.”

SLAPSHOTS WITH … Providence Catholic Forward Nick Coveny

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle – “That movie gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. It really puts into perspective what a team can do when they want to win and put their mind to it.”
Favorite TV Show: Dexter
Motivational Song: Gorgeous by Kanye West
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Chicken Caesar wrap from Jimmy John’s
Favorite app: TikTok
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Patrick Kane
Favorite High School Uniform (other than PC): Lake Forest
Holiday Hero: “At last year’s O’Grady Thanksgiving Tournament against Glenbrook North, I carried the puck down the boards, cut back, slipped it through the defenseman’s legs and fired a shot while taking a hit — and it went bar down. Scoring against their all-state goalie (Michael Reyderman) is definitely a personal highlight of mine.”
Superstitions: “When my tape starts to fall off during the game … nothing aggravates me more than my tape falling off and having to tape it in between the second and third periods.”
It Helps: “In the off-season, we have team workouts and agility sessions on Thursdays. A few teammates and I also trained with Coach Galvin at Rocket to improve our speed and edge work. My speed and strength have improved as a result of the work I’ve put in during the off-season. I’ve also taken advantage of every opportunity to get on the ice, including participating in the ACHA Showcase and the NAHL Showcase, where I was invited to play with the Elmira Aviators, a junior team from New York. Playing with players from across the country provides valuable experiences that foster my overall growth and development as a hockey player.”
Off The Ice: “I spend a lot of time shooting pucks in my basement, working out and watching our game film. I think it’s important to build chemistry off the ice—whether that’s team dinners, volunteering together, or going to other Providence sports like football, volleyball or soccer to support our school. Those experiences help us come together as a team when we’re on the ice.  The energy from the crowd, the support from the school, and the buzz on the bench really lift us and help us perform on the ice.  
Long-term goals: “Hockey isn’t just a sport for me—it’s a part of who I am. I’m driven to play at the highest level I can in college because I genuinely love the game and the lessons it has taught me about discipline, teamwork and perseverance. At the same time, I’m excited to pursue a degree that challenges me in the field of math, combining my passion for the game with my dedication to academics. My dream is to continue playing hockey for as long as I can while also preparing for a career.”
Hobbies: “I like playing video games, especially NHL. I also enjoy watching football and hanging out with my family.”
Influential: “I have had many influences since I began playing hockey. I grew up when the Blackhawks acquired Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and went on to win multiple Stanley Cups. Patrick Kane was always my favorite player growing up; I wanted to be just like him. I looked up to him and watched how he played and tried to replicate what he did. Nothing beats the Kane and Toews dynasty! As a kid, I would watch YouTube videos of great hockey players wanting to bring that style of play to my game. I have had many coaches over the years who have influenced my hockey career.  While at the Jaguars, I was coached by Ken Zschach. Coach Zscach taught me the importance of a team and that no one player can do it alone.  He always believed in me while still pushing me to be better and never settling. In my freshman year at Providence, it was challenging being the only freshman on varsity and Finbar Harris took me under his wing and the coaches supported me throughout the season, which helped me in achieving what I did as a freshman.  Off the ice, my parents have been a huge influence as well. Long car rides home were often filled with debriefing the game whether celebrating a win or talking through mistakes and frustrations after a loss. My parents have provided me with every opportunity to play and grow in the sport. Ever since my parents bought me shooting tiles for my basement, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t shooting pucks. My dad has always stressed the importance of physical fitness and health so that I would be able to compete with older and bigger players.  My mom has always been a listening ear and has guided me in how to be a leader on and off the ice. Without my parents, I simply would not be where I am today.  
Memories: “Being a student-athlete is one of my greatest sources of pride. Growing up, I often had to miss school for hockey, which taught me the importance of balancing the demands of athletics with my academic responsibilities. Through discipline, time management and perseverance, I have been able to excel in both areas, maintaining a GPA of 3.90 last school year. Academics are particularly important to me because I recognize that knowledge and hard work open doors to countless opportunities in life. Beyond grades, being a student-athlete has taught me resilience, teamwork and leadership—qualities I carry into every aspect of my life. These experiences have shaped me into someone who is dedicated, goal-oriented and ready to take on challenges both on and off the ice.”
Giving Thanks: “I’m so grateful for my family and all the support they give me. My sisters spend countless hours at the rink, cheering me on, and my family always shows up for me in big ways. Some even look forward to streaming my games at home and never miss one. They’ll send me texts afterward, such as, ‘great game’ or ‘tough loss,’” he said. “Knowing they’re rooting for me so much means the world. Their support inspires me to keep pushing and get better every day.