This weekend, the Eagles take on the Riverhawks from Lowell in a crucial Hockey East home and home series. Lowell got off to a hot start to their season, beating Minnesota State twice on the road. After the sweep, the Riverhawks returned to New England but only to loose to UConn 3-2 in OT. This will be Lowell's first game in Tsongas Arena as their first home game vs UConn was played in Nassua, New Hampshire. This will be coach Norm Bazin's first game vs a Hockey East opponent and lucky him, it comes against the best coach and team in the country. The Eagles are 57-33-7 all time vs the Hawks and 40-16-2 under head coach Jerry York.
Last time out- Eagles defeated Lowell 5-1 @ the Tsongas center on 1/29/11.
Players to watch out for- Riley Wetmore is one of the more dangerous players in the league. Wetmore leads the team in points this year and was second on the team a season ago. Senior forward Mike Budd is also a dangerous forward for the Hawks because of his size and ability to create problems for the opposing defense.
Goaltending- Lowell has gone back and forth between goalies Doug Carr and Brian Robbins so far this year. Robbins played the whole UConn game so I would expect that he will go Friday in his first ever start vs BC so look for BC to try to get to him early. BC has done a great job of doing that all year.
Keys for BC
1. Get shots on this goalie. This will be an inexperienced goalie no matter who it is. If BC can just get pucks to the net on him early, good things will happen.
2. Avoid turnovers. To many times vs UMass an NU, BC turned it over on their own Blue line. If BC avoids the turnovers, everything should go according to plan.
3. Get the crowd out of it early. If BC can score a couple quick ones on the young Lowell squad, the Hawks and their fans will loose their momentum.
4. With Pat Wey out, BC needs guys like Issac MacLeod, Edwin Shea and Patch Alber to really turn up their games on defense.
Notes- Former Eagles Malcom Lyels is now a defenseman on Lowell. Lyels transfered out of BC two season ago. BC currently holds a four game winning streak vs Lowell. The last lost for BC was on 1/23/10 @ Lowell.
Previewing the UMass Lowell Riverhawks
Previewing the UMass Lowell River Hawks: A Season of Ascent
In the world of college hockey, few teams embody the spirit of determination and relentless pursuit quite like the UMass Lowell River Hawks. As they embark on another exciting season, it's time to take a closer look at what makes this team special, what fans can expect from the upcoming games, and the players who will be leading the charge on the ice. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into the UMass Lowell River Hawks' journey, their strengths, challenges, and the key matchups that lie ahead. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the world of college hockey, join us as we preview the exciting season ahead for the River Hawks.
Table of Contents
The UMass Lowell River Hawks: A Legacy of Excellence
A Brief History
Recent Successes
Strengths and Strategies: What Makes the River Hawks Tick
Tenacious Defense
Goal-Scoring Prowess
Coaching Excellence
Key Matchups to Watch in the Upcoming Season
Conference Showdowns
Non-Conference Challenges
Rivalry Renewed
Players to Watch: The Heroes on the Ice
Offensive Wizards
Defensive Stalwarts
Goaltending Guardians
FAQs: Unpacking the UMass Lowell River Hawks
1. The UMass Lowell River Hawks: A Legacy of Excellence
A Brief History
The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a storied history in college hockey. Founded in 1969, the program has steadily ascended through the ranks to become a formidable force in the NCAA. Their journey is marked by moments of triumph and resilience, making them a source of pride for their fans.
Recent Successes
Recent years have seen the River Hawks achieve significant success. Playoff appearances, conference championships, and national tournament berths have become the norm. Their consistent performance has cemented their reputation as a program to be reckoned with.
2. Strengths and Strategies: What Makes the River Hawks Tick
Tenacious Defense
One of the defining traits of the River Hawks is their tenacious defense. They excel at limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, blocking shots, and maintaining strong defensive zone coverage. This defensive prowess often frustrates opposing offenses.
Goal-Scoring Prowess
While defense is a cornerstone of their game, the River Hawks are far from one-dimensional. They possess goal-scoring prowess, with forwards who can capitalize on scoring chances. Their ability to transition from defense to offense is a key asset.
Coaching Excellence
Behind every successful team is a great coaching staff, and the River Hawks are no exception. Their coaching team has cultivated a winning culture, developed talent, and strategized effectively in critical moments. The guidance from the coaching staff plays a pivotal role in the team's performance.
3. Key Matchups to Watch in the Upcoming Season
Conference Showdowns
The Hockey East conference is known for its competitiveness, and the River Hawks will face challenging conference matchups throughout the season. These games often determine playoff positioning and provide a stage for intense battles on the ice.
Non-Conference Challenges
Non-conference games offer a chance to test the team against different styles of play. These matchups can be opportunities for the River Hawks to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
Rivalry Renewed
Rivalry games are a highlight of any college hockey season. Renewed rivalries bring out heightened emotions and fierce competition. These games often have a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike.
4. Players to Watch: The Heroes on the Ice
Offensive Wizards
The River Hawks boast a talented group of forwards who are adept at putting the puck in the net. Keep an eye on these offensive wizards, as they'll be crucial in generating goals and driving the team's success.
Defensive Stalwarts
Solid defense is a hallmark of the River Hawks' playstyle. Watch for the defensive stalwarts who excel at blocking shots, breaking up plays, and protecting their goaltender.
Goaltending Guardians
Goaltending is often the last line of defense, and the River Hawks have guardians between the pipes who can make remarkable saves in critical moments. These goaltenders are instrumental in preserving leads and securing victories.
5. FAQs: Unpacking the UMass Lowell River Hawks
Q1: What are some memorable moments in the history of the UMass Lowell River Hawks program?
A1: Memorable moments include conference championships, deep playoff runs, and notable victories over top-ranked opponents. The program has a rich history of achievement.
Q2: How can fans stay updated on the UMass Lowell River Hawks' schedule and results?
A2: Fans can stay informed by visiting the official team website, following the team's social media accounts, and checking college hockey news sources for updates on the schedule and results.
Q3: What are the expectations for the UMass Lowell River Hawks in the upcoming season?
A3: Expectations are high, as the River Hawks aim to continue their tradition of excellence in college hockey. The team has the talent and coaching to compete at a high level.
The UMass Lowell River Hawks are poised for another exciting season of college hockey. Their legacy of excellence, tenacious defense, and goal-scoring prowess make them a formidable opponent in every matchup. With key games on the horizon and standout players ready to shine, the season promises to be filled with thrilling moments on the ice. Whether you're a devoted fan or simply looking for some exciting hockey action, keep an eye on the River Hawks as they embark on a season of ascent.
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