**** Official Hockey East 2009-2010 Season Thread ****

[Gainzo]

I know it's only May 27th but I mailed my season ticket deposit to the Lowell Athletic Department today.

For less than $300 total I have 2 tickets for every home game. To put that in context I pay $169 a seat for every Pats game.

I will bump this thread in early October when the season begins.

[talisaynon]

pre-emptive LETS GO BU! to show i didn't jump the wagon when we repeat this year.

[Gainzo]

pre-emptive LETS GO BU! to show i didn't jump the wagon when we repeat this year.

I hate to break it to you but BU isn't coming close to repeating.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://sportsblog.projo.com/2009/06/pcs-army-no-tru.html

Providence College men's hockey coach Tim Army said Tuesday that there's "no truth'' to rumors that he might leave the school this summer to return to pro hockey.

"There's nothing to it,'' said Army, who has been PC coach for four seasons. "PC is in my blood.''

"I came back here to get this program back to where it was when I played here'' in the 1980s, Army said. "I came back here to reestablish Providence College on the national landscape.'' In a story published on Sunday, the U.S. Hockey Report (ushr.com) said that there are persistent rumors in college coaching circles that Army could be headed back to the pros.

Army, an East Providence High School and PC graduate, worked as an NHL assistant coach in Anaheim and Washington for nine seasons when fellow East Providence and PC alum Ron Wilson was head coach. He also coached the AHL Portland Pirates for three seasons. Wilson is now the coach in Toronto, where the general manager is another PC alum, Brian Burke.

Army, 46, was one of the best players in Friar history. He ranks sixth in points (179), 11th in goals (71) and tied for fourth in assists (108).

Army's record in four seasons at PC is 48-78-16.

"We had a bad year last year after three pretty good years,'' Army said of the Friars' last-place finish in Hockey East with a record of 7-22-5.

Army, who received a contract extension last summer, said that he and his staff have worked hard since season's end to turn things around. "My only focus is making Providence College better,'' he said.

"I'm looking forward to September. No one knows better than I what a bad year we had last year,'' Army said.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2009/05/13_alook.php

CHN Staff Report

An early look at a projected Top 10 for next year.

10. Lowell -- The best news for Lowell last year was that both junior goaltenders -- Carter Hutton and Nevin Hamilton -- continued to improve from their first two years, and had their best years yet. This bodes well for their senior seasons, in which they will likely -- at least at first -- split time once again. Lowell had a nice run to the Hockey East final, which has gotten everyone excited, though the RiverHawks have been in this kind of position before -- with most everyone back -- and disappointed. Here's another shot. NCAAs or bust.

9. North Dakota -- There are other possibilities for these last two slots, like Northern Michigan, Boston College, New Hampshire -- and particularly St. Cloud State (assuming everyone returns). But North Dakota is a team that has proven to consistently find its way into the Top 10 no matter what, every season, and with junior Chris VandeVelde (and his 18 goals) stating his intention to return, and with goalie Brad Eidsness expected to take a step forward from his .906 save percentage, there's no reason to believe the Sioux can't be back here again.

8. Minnesota -- There are two huge keys here, obviously. One, Jordan Schroeder has to decide to stay. He'll be drafted highly in the upcoming NHL Draft, and if he stays, like BU's Colin Wilson did, then all is well. The other is goalie Alex Kangas, who took a big step backward last season, after a pretty good start. Does he become just another Minnesota goalie thrown to the scrap heap? Another flash in the pan that goes nowhere? Or does he turn into a four-year backbone? If those two things work out in Minnesota's favor, it will be fine.

7. Princeton -- First, the Tigers have to get over the devastating loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAAs -- allowing two goals in the last 35 seconds and losing in OT. Perhaps, they can take some solace in Miami's championship game loss, which was even more devastating just because of the circumstances. Misery loves company. Losing two solid forwards in Lee Jubinville and Brett Wilson is a blow. And if the Tigers also lose Cam McIntyre -- being heavily scouted by the pros, but who missed a lot of time last season -- then it will be tougher to absorb. But Princeton does have a lot coming back, including goalie Zane Kalemba, a Hobey finalist, and its coach, Guy Gadowsky, which has led Princeton to school records in wins the last two seasons. Last year, Princeton had its first-ever at-large bid to the NCAAs. The only step left to achieve is some NCAA wins.

6. Michigan -- Like North Dakota, Michigan always finds its way near the top of the ratings each season, and next year will presumably be no exception. Aaron Palushaj has moved on, which is a blow to the offense, but does anyone doubt others will step up? The real question is in goal, with whether Bryan Hogan will return the Wolverines to Marty Turco-era levels -- or even freshman-year Al Montoya levels -- or if someone else emerges.

5. Boston University -- The defending champs will lose quite a bit of firepower and leadership up front, including sophomore-turned-pro Colin Wilson. The backline loses Hobey winner Matt Gilroy. However, the five other defensemen return, there's plenty of talent remaining up front, more coming in, and Kieran Millan in goal with a year under his belt. It's true Millan could take a step back, like John Muse did at BC after winning, but not a big step -- and he'll have plenty of help again.

4. Cornell -- The key, clearly, is making sure junior-to-be Riley Nash and senior-to-be Colin Greening return. Cornell already missed an even bigger season last year because of lack of key scoring punch, and losing them could drop Cornell to also-ran status quick. And it's possible either or both could depart (Nash is a first rounder, and Greening is highly regarded by his draft team, Ottawa). If that all comes into place, this could be another one of those seasons like 2005 and 2006, where the Big Red get a couple key non-league wins, roll through the ECAC, and get a very high seed in the NCAAs. Even last year, when Cornell was a No. 3 seed coming in, it managed to get past the first round again, and was tied in the third period with Bemidji State with a Frozen Four bid on the line. Cornell has won six straight NCAA first round games, but only won the Regional Final once. Last year, was the only time they were "favored" among those five losses, which made it that much more disappointing. But they could easily get another crack next season.

3. Miami -- Miami is a chic preseason No. 1 pick, thanks to its NCAA championship-game run (and subsequent mother-of-all-devastating-losses). But, remember, the RedHawks only barely made the NCAAs last season, and will lose the services of some good players -- namely Justin Mercier and Kevin Roeder. However, with four freshman defensemen coming back, two freshmen goalies returning, and a still-dynamic offense, led by Carter Camper, it is safe to say that Miami should contend once again, and be near the top of the pack all season.

2. Notre Dame -- The Irish have a proven formula now for long-lasting, marathon, regular-season success. Their style and work-ethic plays to that. Getting it to translate consistently into the postseason, is a work in progress. But Notre Dame will be near the top again, despite the losses of Christian Hanson, Erik Condra and goaltender Jordan Pearce. The cornerstone defense has five of six players remaining, including All-CHN pick Ian Cole. And the forward losses are better absorbed with a team like the Irish, since their offense is so deep and balanced.

1. Denver -- The Pioneers look stacked for a big run, assuming (again) that everyone comes back that's supposed to. Rhett Rakhshani and Tyler Ruegsegger already say they're returning. Throw in the likes of Patrick Wiercioch -- who dazzled as a freshman defenseman last year -- Marc Cheverie in net, and more scoring punch from Luke Salazar and Kyle Ostrow, and Denver is as healthy as ever. Keeping things in one piece, and keeping it together for a whole season, have been elusive concepts lately for Denver, but it has fewer questions marks and more talent than any team going into next season.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://goblackbears.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/052809aab.html

ORONO, Maine - A two-game home series with Michigan State on Oct. 16 and 17 highlight the 2009-2010 University of Maine men's ice hockey schedule released today. The schedule features 14 additional home games, including two-game Hockey East series with Boston College, Providence, New Hampshire, UMass Lowell and UMass, a pair of exhibition games and a match-up against St. Lawrence at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.

Maine will be playing potentially 14 games against teams that played in the 2009 NCAA Tournament, including six games against Frozen Four participants Boston University and Vermont.

"We've got some great teams on our 2009-10 hockey schedule," said Maine head coach Tim Whitehead. "We kick it off on Homecoming weekend with two games against the Michigan State Spartans."

The Black Bears open the 2009-10 campaign on Oct. 9 and 10 with a trip to Union College for a pair of games. Maine then returns home to host the Michigan State Spartans for a pair of games. It will be the first time that the two teams have faced each other since meeting in the 2007 Frozen Four.

The Black Bears then kick off Hockey East Conference play with a trip to UMass on Oct. 23 and New Hampshire on Oct. 24. Maine closes out October by hosting Frozen Four participant Vermont on Oct. 30.

The Black Bears travel to Northeastern in mid-November, before returning home to host Boston College on Nov. 20 and 21. Maine travels to UMass Lowell the day after Thanksgiving. On the way home, the team will stop at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland to host St. Lawrence.

December features a pair of home games with Providence on Dec. 4 and 5. Maine then hosts Northeastern on Dec. 12 before taking a 15-day semester break. The second half of the season commences with the annual Florida College Classic. Maine faces Princeton on Dec. 27 in the opening round and then will play either Cornell or Colorado College the following day.

The new year opens with an exhibition against New Brunswick on January 2. The Black Bears will host Merrimack before a showdown with defending national champion Boston University on Sunday, January 10. Maine then hits the road for games at Boston College and Providence, before returning home to host the US National Development Under-18 Team in an exhibition game. The rest of the schedule features exclusive Hockey East play, starting with a trip to Vermont to end January.

February is highlighted with a pair of home games against rival New Hampshire, followed by a trip to defending national champion Boston University for a pair of games. Maine also hosts UMass Lowell for a pair of games in February, before traveling to Merrimack for a pair of games to end the month. Maine will host UMass in the final games of the regular season on March 5 and 6.

The Black Bears return the highest scoring freshman class in Hockey East with 80 percent of scoring coming from first and second-year players. Maine will also add some great newcomers to this year's team. Among the returnees are Gustav Nyquist (Malmo, Sweden) who led the Black Bears in scoring with 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points, becoming the first rookie since Paul Kariya to lead the team in scoring. Six of Maine's top eight scorers return for the upcoming season.

The Athletic Department has lowered ticket prices for the 2009-2010 season and implemented a payment plan. Season ticket renewals will go out next week to current season ticket holders. For those looking for season tickets, they are available by calling the Black Bear Ticket Office at 207-581-BEAR or 1-800-756-TEAM between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

Season tickets are a $43 savings over single game tickets and your purchase of a season ticket assures you a great reserved seat for every game. Fans may also contact the Black Bear Club at 207-581-1130 to learn about making a contribution and upgrading to Maine's priority seat program.

********************************************************************

Maine and UMass playing the last week of the season again! Sucks for UMass big time because you know they are going to need 3 points that weekend.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=259115&ac=PHspt

The attorney for Dave Wilson entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of the Black Bears goalie during an arraignment hearing Thursday in Bangor District Court. Wilson was arrested and charged with domestic assault after allegedly assaulting an ex-girlfriend in an off-campus incident in April.

Attorney Gary Prolman has requested a jury trial for Wilson, and a trial date is expected to be set in June. Wilson has been suspended indefinitely from the team.

****************************************************************

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/107156.html

Michigan State University, which beat the University of Maine 4-2 in their 2007 Frozen Four semifinal and then beat Boston College in the national championship game, will open the Black Bears’ home schedule Oct. 16-17.

Maine released its 2009-10 schedule Thursday.

Maine opens with a two-game series at Union College (N.Y.) Oct. 9-10 before entertaining the Spartans the following weekend. Union went 19-17-3 last season including 3-1 and 5-1 losses to Maine in Orono.

Michigan State and Maine will both be eager to rebound from poor seasons as the Bears won just 13 games (13-22-4) for the second straight year while MSU went 10-23-5 a year ago after going 25-12-5 and reaching the NCAA quarterfinals.

Maine’s nonleague schedule also includes St. Lawrence (21-12-5) Nov. 29 in Portland; NCAA tournament team Princeton (22-12-1) Dec. 27 in the Florida College Classic and either Cornell (22-10-4 and an NCAA Tournament team) or Colorado College (16-12-10) in the consolation or championship game the next day. The Bears will also host exhibition games against Canadian Universities national champion New Brunswick on Jan. 2 and the United States National Team Development Program’s Under-18 club on Jan. 23.

“Our strength of schedule will be good. It will be back to where we would like it to be,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “Hosting Michigan State will be a great way to kick off our home schedule.” The Michigan State series will be on Homecoming Weekend. The Bear football team will host defending national champ Richmond at noon on Oct. 17.

Maine will again play each Hockey East opponent three times. The Bears will host Boston College, Providence, New Hampshire, UMass Lowell and UMass twice apiece and will entertain Vermont, Boston University, Merrimack and Northeastern for one game.

Whitehead said the most positive change in their schedule is a reduction in Sunday games from seven last season to two this coming season. They played six Hockey East games on Sunday but will have just one this season as they will play Friday-Saturday nights.“We’ve been pushing Hockey East to [reduce our Sunday games] and we’re very appreciative to the league for changing it,” said Whitehead. “It’s a big plus for our fans. They won’t have a day in between games. It makes it a more convenient and predictable situation for them.

“It will make a big difference to our student-athletes because they will have a true day off without classes. It’s also good for the coaching staff and support staff,” added Whitehead. He likes the fact they won’t be competing with the NFL on TV.

Maine has an afternoon Blue-White instrasquad game on Oct. 3.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www2.nesn.com/nesn-university/2009/05/28/hennessy-named-umass-play-by-play-announcer/

The Minutemen are adding a seasoned veteran to the family. Clear Channel Communications announced that former New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats broadcaster John Hennessy will be the new play-by-play announcer for UMass men’s ice hockey.

Hennessy, who called the Devils’ 2003 Stanley Cup run, spent nine years with the River Rats. He also was the host of “NHL Fox Face Off,” and he has experience working for Northeastern and Providence hockey.

“I’m very excited to be back in Hockey East and I’m honored to be associated with such a tremendous team like UMass,” Hennessy said. “Coach [Don] Cahoon has built the Minutemen into one of the nation’s top programs.”

During his college years at Providence, Hennessy was a play-by-play announcer for for the Friars. Next season, he will partner with Brock Hines, who is entering his 17th season as UMass’s color commentator.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.umassathletics.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/052809aaa.html

AMHERST, Mass. - Former New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats broadcaster John Hennessy has been named the new play-by-play voice of the University of Massachusetts men's ice hockey program as announced by Clear Channel Communications of Springfield, Mass. Hennessy spent six seasons with the NHL's Devils as the play-by-play announcer, most notably calling the franchise's 2003 run to the Stanley Cup.

"I'm very excited to back in Hockey East and I'm honored to be associated with such a tremendous team like UMass," said Hennessy. "Coach Cahoon has built the Minutemen into one of the nation's top programs. In addition, it's a privilege to broadcast on 100.9 FM WRNX; an outstanding station with a proven commitment to the University of Massachusetts and it's athletic programs."

Along with working with the Devils, Hennessy spent nine years with the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats including two of the past three years. Additionally, he provided play-by-play for televised games of Rensselaer Hockey, served as host of the television show "NHL Fox Face-Off" and spent several years early in his career working with the Northeastern and Providence hockey programs.

"We are thrilled with Clear Channel's selection of John as our next play-by-play announcer for our hockey broadcasts," said Josh Maurer, UMass' Manager of Broadcast Properties. "Any collegiate hockey program in America would be excited to add someone with the experience and pedigree that John possesses to its broadcasts. As a former NHL broadcaster and a long-time veteran of radio, he will be a fantastic addition to our Sports Network."

A 1982 graduate of Providence College, Hennessy is no stranger to Hockey East. He spent his college years as a Friar calling play-by-play for WDOM Radio to begin his career. He also spent the 1989-90 season calling play-by-play for the Friars on WICE Radio. In 1990-91, he called the action for Northeastern while also working as a sports anchor, producer and sports talk show host for WKOX Radio in Framingham and WBZ Radio in Boston. During that time he also covered the New England Patriots and Boston College football.

*********************************************************************************

He replaces Donnie Morehouse who did an adequate job for UMass. The new guy was involved in that horrific bus accident the Albany River Rats had.

Hennessy, 48, still has some lingering effects from being hurt in the Rats' bus crash of Feb. 19.

"My memory isn't what it used to be and sometimes I find myself having trouble coming up with the right words I want to say," Hennessy said. "But the headaches are all but gone, so it's coming along. I feel pretty good."

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.uvm.edu/~sportspr/?Page=News&storyID=14366

2008-09 MEN

[Lil Bit Special]

http://terrierhockey.blogspot.com/2009/06/changing-of-rearguard.html

Defenseman Brian Strait, who had been named co-captain of the 2009-10 Terriers, will forgo his senior year and has signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Strait, who was the Pens third-round draft choice in 2006 and is one of the most highly regarded prospects in their organization, took more than a month to make the difficult choice between a fourth year on the Terrier blueline and moving to the next level. Pittsburgh executives strongly felt it was time for Strait to join the pro ranks.

While expected to spend next season with the Pen

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=175374670

Institution: University of Massachusetts - Lowell Location: Lowell, MA Category:

• Admin - Athletics/Coaching
  

Posted: 05/27/2009 Application Due: 06/09/2009 Type: Full Time Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 USD Per Year Job Reference Number: 0080018

The Assistant Ice Hockey Coach provides assistance in all phases of coaching the men's ice hockey program including: coordinating student-athlete recruitment, game preparation, player evaluation, academic coordination and practice and game coaching. They also provide administrative support as assigned.

Examples of Duties:

1. Assist in all phases of coaching the men's ice hockey program by:

-Coordinating student-athlete recruitment process.

-Identifying athletic and academic abilities compatible with UMass Lowell standards.

-Evaluating and encouraging student?athletes to apply for admissions.

-Providing assistance in the areas of game preparation/analysis and player progress/evaluation.

-Scheduling future ice hockey competitions.

-Identifying, evaluating and recruiting student?athletes.

-Organizing and leading preseason and off season conditioning.

-Monitoring academic progress of student-athletes.

-Providing oversight to hockey equipment management.

-Preparing requested information relevant to budget needs, and provide necessary oversight to ice hockey equipment management.

-Representing UMass Lowell in matters related to ice hockey programs as assigned.

-Coordinating and interacting with the department's NCAA Compliance Coordinator, and with the University's Faculty Athletics Representative.

-Adhering to all university, conference, and NCAA rules/requirements relevant to the overall conduct of intercollegiate ice hockey programs.

2. Participate in promotional and public relations to advance the men's ice hockey program by:

-Assisting the head coach in coordinating all aspects of the River Hawk Summer Hockey Camps.

-Assisting in the development and implementation of marketing strategies designed to enhance the image and visibility of the hockey program.

3. Promote the University's commitment to customer service by:

-Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.

-Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.

-Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Minimum Qualifications:

-Bachelor's degree.

-2-3 years successful experience in ice hockey coaching and program administration at the high school, preparatory school or college level.

-Knowledge and understanding of, and an appreciation for, conference and NCAA rules related to Ice Hockey in particular and intercollegiate athletics in general.

-Commitment to the student-athlete concept.

-Effective communication, interpersonal and public relations skills.

-Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

-A job offer for this position is contingent upon a satisfactory response to a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and review.

Supervision Received: Reports to Head Hockey Coach

To Apply: Required Applicant Documents:

-Resume

-Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please supply names and contact information (phone/email) of three references

*Please submit these at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's website, jobs.uml.edu

Application Information

Contact: University of Massachusetts - Lowell Online App. Form: http://jobs.uml.edu More Information on University of Massachusetts - Lowell

• Institutional Profile
  
• Current openings for University of Massachusetts - Lowell on HigherEdJobs.com.
  
• UMass Lowell Home Page
  
• UMass Lowell Human Resources Home Page
  
• Job Opportunities at UMass Lowell
  
• City of Lowell, MA Info
  

[Lil Bit Special]

http://unhwildcats.com/index.cfm?id=CA22E2E6-AC26-1B13-83FEB40EFFAE894E&pid=7D7323A9-A76A-9C75-7F1E263C2B56CB46&archive=0

MANCHESTER, N.H.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.jrwolfpack.com/juniora/press_20090407.php

The Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack are proud to announce that starting goalie Randy Wolcott will head be heading to Div I UMass Amherst for the 2009-2010 season. The Minutemen play in the tough Hockey East division.

Wolcott was recently awarded Goalie of the Year in the AJHL for his success this season.

Boasting an outstanding 1.48 GAA and a .948 save percentage this season, he helped the Pack have their best season in 3 years with a 28-10-0-5 record.

"Wally was great this season for us, he made the big saves and brought a veteran presence to our locker room. He was the back bone for us this year there is no doubt in my mind, he is like having a 3rd defenseman on the ice. He reads plays and plays the puck like a pro goalie, he is going to do a great job for UMass next season. We wish him the best of luck," said Chris Cerrella.

In his last 3 seasons as a Junior Coach, Cerrella has committed 3 goalies to the high end level of college with Taylor Anderson at Canisus College, Seth McNary at Castleton State and now Randy Wolcott going to UMass Amherst.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.uscho.com/news/college-hockey/id,17097/BCsMuseUndergoesHipSurgeryUpdated.html

Will miss beginning of season; eyeing November return

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (May 13) — Boston College goaltender John Muse underwent hip surgery on April 30 to repair a torn labrum, the school confirmed on Wednesday. According to Boston College head coach Jerry York, Muse, who over the last two seasons has played all but seven minutes, 56 seconds for the Eagles, will return to the BC lineup no earlier than November, forcing the veteran bench boss to find another goaltender late in the recruiting season. “We’re late into market but we’re certainly looking for goaltenders now,” said York when reached by phone on Thursday.

The Eagles carried three goaltenders on their roster last season. In addition to Muse, Boston College listed senior-to-be Alex Kremer and sophomore-to-be Chris Venti as goaltenders. Kremer and Venti both saw action during a 4-2 exhibition win at New Brunswick during the holiday exam break in January and Venti played the final 7:56 of BC’s 6-1 loss against Northeastern in the semifinal of the Beanpot tournament on February 2. He stopped all three shots he faced that night, the only game Muse has been removed from in his career. The Eagles also have a recruit, Brian Billett, listed for admission beginning in the 2010-11 season. But according to York speeding up his admission to have him present for the start of the 2009 season is not an option.

That will leave the BC coaching staff pounding the pavement trying to find a third goaltender. “I’d never start the season with just two goaltenders,” said York. “We’re definitely recruiting a goaltender. We’re hoping all is going to go well [with Muse’s recovery] but it’s a variable we can’t control.” York couldn’t discuss who might be an option to come to Boston College for September, citing NCAA guidelines. But a story in last Sunday’s edition of the American Chronicle indicates that Waterloo (USHL) goaltender Parker Milner is “being courted by Boston College.”

As for Muse, York said the injury came as a bit of a shock. He said that Muse had what could be termed as nagging groin pain at times in the season and the surgery required to repair the labrum is similar to that which Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriquez and New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPeitro recently underwent.

Former New Hampshire goaltender Kevin Regan, now playing in the Boston Bruins organization, also recently had the same surgery and talked to Muse before he underwent the surgery.“The doctor’s told us eight weeks on crutches then anywhere between four and six months where he’ll be recuperating,” said York about the timeline. “We’re looking at November [for a possible return] but we’re certainly not going to rush it. ”

Over the first two years of his career at BC, Muse has recorded a 43-25-13 record with a 2.44 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. He led the Eagles to the national championship as a freshman but BC failed to reach the NCAA tournament last season for the first time since 2002.

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=1000029

Editor

[Gainzo]

http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=1000029

Editor

[Gainzo]

The Lowell schedule has been released.

Ice Hockey: UMass Lowell Announces 2009-10 Season Schedule

River Hawks have 17 home dates; Open season at Ice Breaker Tournament

River Hawks celebrating their win over Northeastern in the 2009 Hockey East Tournament

June 4, 2009

LOWELL, Mass. - A season-opening trip to the Ice Breaker Tournament, an appearance in the Dartmouth Tournament and the usual 27-game Hockey East slate highlight the 2009-10 UMass Lowell schedule, head coach Blaise MacDonald announced.

The 36-game schedule consists of the usual 27 Hockey East dates as well as nine non-conference contests. The River Hawks have 17 home games and 19 road/neutral site games.

"One of the many benefits of playing in Hockey East is that before we schedule our non-conference games, we already have a tremendous schedule in place," said MacDonald of playing in Hockey East. "Having the last two national champions and, this past year, two Frozen Four participants always offer a tremendous challenge."

The 2009-10 Hockey East schedule for UMass Lowell gets off to a fast start as the River Hawks first four league games against their 2009 Hockey East playoff opponents.

A night after opening the home schedule against non-conference foe Colgate University, the River Hawks host Northeastern, their 2009 Hockey East semifinal opponent, at the Tsongas Arena (Oct. 24).

Next up is a rematch of the 2009 Hockey East championship game as UMass Lowell and Boston University meet for a home-and-home series. The two squads play at the Tsongas Arena on October 30 and at Agganis Arena on October 31.

The four-game stretch concludes with UMass Lowell visiting 2009 Frozen Four participant Vermont on November 6. The River Hawks swept the Catamounts in the 2009 Hockey East Quarterfinals at the Gutterson Fieldhouse.

UMass Lowell plays New Hampshire twice in the season's first half - Sunday, November 8 at Tsongas Arena and December 4 at the Whittemore Center.

The first half league schedule also includes games against Merrimack (11/21), Providence (11/24), Maine (11/27) and Massachusetts (12/5).

The River Hawks play their final 17 games within the league - eight at home and nine on the road. The stretch drive schedule includes all three games against 2008 national champion Boston College (1/23, 2/12-13), two at Northeastern, two at Maine (2/19-20) and two at home against Vermont (3/5-6).

Before the Hockey East schedule begins, the River Hawks open the season with three non-conference games beginning with the Ice Breaker Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska (10/9-10).

UMass Lowell opens play in the Ice Breaker on October 9 against St. Lawrence of the ECAC at 5:05 p.m. In the second day of the tournament (10/10), the River Hawks will play either tournament host Nebraska Omaha or Army.

"We're able to add to our schedule this year by being invited to the Ice Breaker Tournament in Omaha," said MacDonald. "They're two exempt games that don't count against our limit of 34 games. It gives our team more experience and two great opponents."

The River Hawks open up their 2009-10 home schedule on October 23 against Colgate. They also have non-conference games against Alabama Huntsville (11/13-14) and Princeton (12/11-12) before the Christmas break.

"We have Colgate coming into the Tsongas Arena," said MacDonald. "And we have a nice trip down to Alabama Huntsville, who just two years ago was in the NCAA Tournament."

UMass Lowell wraps up its pre-Christmas portion of the schedule with a two-game series against Princeton at the Tsongas Arena. It will be the first meetings against between the two schools since January 23, 2000. UML is 3-0-0 all-time against Princeton.

"The series against Princeton at the Tsongas Arena is going to be big for us," MacDonald said. "They made the NCAA Tournament last year and are going to be a very good team against this year."

The River Hawks return from the Christmas break to take part in the Ledyard National Bank Classic hosted by Dartmouth University. In addition to UMass Lowell and Dartmouth, the tournament field includes Northeastern and Holy Cross. Game times and match-ups for the tournament have not been announced.

The season unofficially gets underway on October 4 when the River Hawks host Acadia in an exhibition contest at the Tsongas Arena at 4:00 p.m.

We're excited about our schedule," MacDonald added. "All in all it's a great schedule for our team. It will challenge us to take that next step."

2009-2010 UMass Lowell Hockey Schedule

Date Opponent Time

Oct. 4 Acadia (exhibition) 4:00 pm

Oct. 9 Ice Breaker Tournament (Omaha, Nebraska)

vs. St. Lawrence 5:05 pm

Oct. 10 Ice Breaker Tournament (Omaha, Nebraska)

vs. Army/Nebraska Omaha 5:05/8:05 pm

Oct. 23 Colgate 7:00 pm

Oct. 24 *Northeastern 7:00 pm

Oct. 30 *at Boston University 7:00 pm

Oct. 31 *Boston University 7:00 pm

Nov. 6 *at Vermont 7:00 pm

Nov. 8 *New Hampshire 4:00 pm

Nov. 13 at Alabama Huntsville 8:00 pm

Nov. 14 at Alabama Huntsville 8:00 pm

Nov. 21 *Merrimack 4:00 pm

Nov. 24 *at Providence 7:00 pm

Nov. 27 *Maine 7:00 pm

Dec. 4 *at New Hampshire 7:00 pm

Dec. 5 *Massachusetts 7:00 pm

Dec. 11 Princeton 7:00 pm

Dec. 12 Princeton 4:00 pm

Jan. 2 Dartmouth Tournament

vs. Northeastern/Holy Cross/Dartmouth TBA

Jan. 3 Dartmouth Tournament

vs. Northeastern/Holy Cross/Dartmouth TBA

Jan. 8 *at New Hampshire 7:00 pm

Jan. 9 *at Northeastern 7:00 pm

Jan. 15 *at Massachusetts 7:00 pm

Jan. 16 *Massachusetts 7:00 pm

Jan. 22 *Merrimack 7:00 pm

Jan. 23 *Boston College 7:00 pm

Jan. 29 *at Northeastern 7:00 pm

Feb. 5 *Boston University 7:00 pm

Feb. 6 *at Merrimack 7:00 pm

Feb. 12 *Boston College 7:00 pm

Feb. 13 *at Boston College 7:00 pm

Feb. 19 *at Maine 7:00 pm

Feb. 20 *at Maine 7:00 pm

Feb. 26 *Providence 7:00 pm

Feb. 27 *at Providence 7:00 pm

Mar. 5 *Vermont 7:00 pm

Mar. 6 *Vermont 7:00 pm

* Hockey East game

**All times Eastern and subject to change

***Match-ups and game times for Dartmouth Tournament have not been announced

[Lil Bit Special]

3 of last 4 at home is sweet.

And are we road tripping to Alabama???

[Gainzo]

3 of last 4 at home is sweet.

And are we road tripping to Alabama???

We usually get sent to Maine* or UVM in the last week of the season so ending up at home is pretty decent.

Alabama? No thanks!

*We still get sent to Orono 2 weeks before the season ends.

[Gainzo]

3 of last 4 at home is sweet.

And are we road tripping to Alabama???

The Lowell Athletic Department just revised the BU/Lowell games in October. BU plays at Lowell on October 30th (Friday). If you want to go a ticket is yours. we can hang at the Talon Club!

[war ensemble]

BU going for the repeat. Yay. Another two years of you guys watching me root for BU until I choose schools and it all changes.

[Gainzo]

BU going for the repeat. Yay. Another two years of you guys watching me root for BU until I choose schools and it all changes.

Just don't go to BU and all will be good

BTW: No way BU repeats next season.

[PFSIKH]

BU going for the repeat. Yay. Another two years of you guys watching me root for BU until I choose schools and it all changes.

Go to Niagra. There is room on there bandwagon since Assmop left.

[Gainzo]

I know it's only May 27th but I mailed my season ticket deposit to the Lowell Athletic Department today.

For less than $300 total I have 2 tickets for every home game. To put that in context I pay $169 a seat for every Pats game.

I will bump this thread in early October when the season begins.

I checked the wrong box on the Season Ticket form and am now a proud owner of 2 Club seats for a whopping total of $500.

LBS: Do you want to go to the home opener against Colgate? After hitting the Brewery we can go to the Talon Club.

[Lil Bit Special]

I checked the wrong box on the Season Ticket form and am now a proud owner of 2 Club seats for a whopping total of $500.

LBS: Do you want to go to the home opener against Colgate? After hitting the Brewery we can go to the Talon Club.

If Im still alive... sure! but I'll be missing Maine's only visit to the Mullins Center.

[Gainzo]

If Im still alive... sure! but I'll be missing Maine's only visit to the Mullins Center.

You will be alive. Its either the Friday night against Colgate or the Saturday night against the Thiessen less Huskies. You make the call!

[Lil Bit Special]

You will be alive. Its either the Friday night against Colgate or the Saturday night against the Thiessen less Huskies. You make the call!

Friday would be better. Would piss off the girlfriend less.

[Lil Bit Special]

Just got a call from UMass Lowell... they want me to buy tickets because I had bought tickets last season.

Time for me to turn in my Amherst diploma.

[Gainzo]

Just got a call from UMass Lowell... they want me to buy tickets because I had bought tickets last season.

Time for me to turn in my Amherst diploma.

They are pulling out all the stops this year in the Marketing Department. I received a call today inviting me to a golf tournament in Dracut on June 26th.

If the team plays anything like last season they will set another attendance record. For a school with only 8,000 or so students, and much less than that living on Campus, getting 4,400 per home is pretty decent.

The Colgate game should be a sell out as last years home opener was a sellout.

[Lil Bit Special]

They are pulling out all the stops this year in the Marketing Department. I received a call today inviting me to a golf tournament in Dracut on June 26th.

If the team plays anything like last season they will set another attendance record. For a school with only 8,000 or so students, and much less than that living on Campus, getting 4,400 per home is pretty decent.

The Colgate game should be a sell out as last years home opener was a sellout.

of course it will be a sellout. People will think they are getting free toothpaste.

[Gainzo]

of course it will be a sellout. People will think they are getting free toothpaste.

Are you implying that people in Lowell have poor oral hygiene?

[Lil Bit Special]

Are you implying that people in Lowell have poor oral hygiene?

Not at all. They're just cheap.

Unlike UMass fans who are missing teeth and would avoid Colgate...

[Gainzo]

Not at all. They're just cheap.

Unlike UMass fans who are missing teeth and would avoid Colgate...

UML tickets are $14 while those greedy bastards in Amherst charge $15. I'm outraged.