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Providence fans, players, local leaders celebrate Friars' first NCAA hockey championship

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Fans of the Providence College Friars erupted in cheers when the hockey team's co-captain Russ Mauermann exclaimed, "We're national champions!" during a Tuesday victory celebration at Schneider Arena.

The Friars defeated Boston University 4-3 on Saturday to win the NCAA Division I Championship at the TD Garden in Boston, its first national title.

"I never thought I'd be so happy to see so much ice on the ground once again," Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza told the crowd. "On behalf of the city, I am so proud that you are our national champions."

Brian Shanley, president of the independent Catholic college, speculated there was "some divine providence" in the team's win.