The 2017 Hockey Issue - River Hawk season preview - Player features - Women’s club hockey feature - Home opener recap
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
October 10, 2017
Big skates to fill: 2017-18 season preview
In This Issue
Hannah Manning
Hockey practice location debacle
Connector Editor
â–ş Page 3
Hockey movie reviews
► Page 4 Women’s club hockey feature ► Page 6
Final River Hawk Scores Team
Score
Overall Record
Field Hockey vs. New Hampshire
L 2-1
6-7
Volleyball vs. Stony Brook
L 0-3
5-12
M. Soccer vs. Stony Brook
W 1-0 5-4-1
Women’s Soccer vs. Vermont
T 2-2 (2OT)
3-5-4
Best UMass Lowell jerseys Andrew Sciscia Connector Editor
Having been ranked top 12 in average attendance for over five consecutive seasons, the UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey team has drawn more than their fair share of audiences. Throughout the seasons, the Tsongas Center has seen more than a handful of standing room only, maximum-capacity games. With every massive crowd, a touted student fan section arrives at every game. At times they arrive an hour or more in advance, always sporting their River Hawk hockey apparel. One cannot discuss hockey apparel without focusing in on jerseys. Ice hockey has been known since its beginnings in the U.S. and Canada for its colorful, spectacularly designed jerseys. The UMass Lowell jerseys are no different. Having changed numerous times over the years, the various River Hawk jerseys are always sharp, unique and well-received by the student body. In fact, they are some of the River Hawk Shop’s best-sellers year in and year out. The four jerseys on sale for the 2017-18 season are no exception. In Friday’s home openâ–ş See “Jerseys,â€? page 6
Sections News.............................3 Campus Life.................. 6 A&E.............................. 4 Sports........................... 8
The UMass Lowell men’s hockey team started its season with three banners being sent to the rafters honoring last year’s accomplishments, yet it is largely uncertain how this season will end. After losing key players such as C.J. Smith, Dylan Zink and Joe Gambardella to graduation or professional hockey, the River Hawks find themselves at a difficult position: with the standard set so high after winning the Hockey East championship and making it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Regional Finals last year, can the scrappy underclassmen and refined seniors steer Lowell to more gold? The expectations are high. UMass Lowell was
ranked fifth overall in the country in the United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) preseason poll and ninth by USA Hockey Magazine’s college hockey poll. C o n f e r e n c e - w i s e,
UMass Lowell was picked to finish second in the coaches’ poll behind adversary Boston University. Despite acquiring five first-place votes compared to Boston University’s two, the Terriers edged the River Hawks by two points to take the
preseason crown. Head coach Norm Bazin, true to form, was nonplussed by this. “I honestly forgot about the preseason stuff,� said Bazin. “I don’t put too
much thought into it. You know I think those are driven by media trying to create excitement for the winter.� The media did not need to try too hard to drum up excitement; after both winning and losing big, eyes are on UMass Lowell to deliver
after a most impressive season. Helped by the at-times heroic performance of freshman goaltender Tyler Wall, the River Hawks skated to a 27-11-3 overall record. And as last year’s freshmen largely impressed, Bazin likewise thinks that this year’s crop of new players bring an elevated skill level to UMass Lowell hockey and a much-needed asset: size. Though he acknowledges that some of them may need more time to adjust to the college game, Bazin says that is not necessarily a bad thing. “You just have to let things emerge and let them get experience and see where chips fall,â€? he said. There is no better time to get them some experience than the beginning â–ş See “Preview,â€? page 7
Home opener loss leaves River Hawks devastated Andrew Sciscia Connector Editor
Despite scoring to come back from a one goal deficit twice in the third period, the fifth-ranked UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey team was bested in the closing 14 seconds by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats in their first regular season game of the 2017-18 season. “I didn’t see a whole lot of urgency. I think it’s more in the rust. I think a lot of guys forgot how to work‌ You can call it ‘championship hangover.’ You can call it whatever you want. I call it forgetting how to work,â€? said UMass Lowell head coach Norm Bazin. The final goal came at the hands of Wildcat senior forward Shane
Eiserman, assisted by defenseman Max Gildon, exactly one minute after UMass Lowell’s senior forward Jake Kamrass knotted the
Edwardh racing for the puck against UNH.
game at 3-3 on the power play with the goaltender pulled. “It was great to get the two
points, and we’re rolling now,â€? said Eiserman, “It just kind of landed at my feet. [It] was a great bounce. It was crazy, but [we’re] back at it again tomorrow.â€? Friday’s season opener was not only the start of a home-and-home weekend between the two teams, but also their first meeting since March, when the River Hawks bested the Wildcats 8-2 in the quarterfinal round of the Hockey East Tournament. Before puck drop, with 5,426 spectators filling the seats at the Tsongas Center, the River Hawk fan section celebrated the unveiling of their 2017 Hockey East Regular and Postseason Championship banners as well as their 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Associaâ–ş See “Home opener,â€? page 7
October 10, 2017
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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS How hockey saved me Hannah Manning Connector Editor
On New Year’s Eve 2014, I would have traded my college education just to see the United States beat Canada. In hindsight, judging by the state of mania I was in I’d say I came pretty close to doing just that. The game was tight and highly anticipated; time-honored tradition in Canada dictates that families spend their New Year’s Eves parked in front of the television for the yearly showdown of future National Hockey League (NHL) stars. I made the most of what I had from my home in Massachusetts that was being torn apart for renovations. I parked myself in front of my computer screen, plied myself with maple cookies and sweat bullets. What I was really supposed to be
doing that night was finishing up my college essay because applications were closing, but I liked to think I had my priorities straight. Any reasonable person would disagree, but in my defense I was far from that state of mind. I was in a state of flux. There was no constant to comfort me. My childhood home was being ripped apart for renovations (bad), my father had been kicked out the summer prior (good), I was almost passing out in my classes from exhaustion (bad) and I was grappling with the sinking feeling that the world might be better off without me (neutral). I didn’t deal with change well; to a lesser extent, I still don’t. I felt alone, unsupported by teachers and friends, as my entire life was torn up in front of me. In lieu of medication or therapy,
which at the time I was hesitant to try, I used hockey. I had started watching during the 2014-15 lockout season with my father, and I loved the constant movement on the ice. I found it to be like a story with an ending that wasn’t clear yet – every second, every last bounce of the puck counted. I had always loved sports, and after a short time I realized that I loved this one best. And as the world fell apart around me, as I felt like I couldn’t breathe for reasons I didn’t quite understand, I at least had hockey. The schedule rarely deviated; I always had something to look forward to in class when all I wanted to do was withdraw and sleep everything away. Even as I felt hurt, worry, things that I should never have felt at that age, I could switch on a Bruins game and try to forget. I never did, but it was good to have that background noise as I worried my way through my assignments. Even as I sat over my staircase after the railing was taken down, as I realized one little push could end my problems, I had a hockey game going and I stood up and continued my frenzied pacing around the house. I also had my mother to worry about, raising two children on her own. I may as well have stuck around just to see how the game ended. That extended to sticking around to see who won the Stanley Cup, which turned into sticking around to go to Lake Winnipesaukee with my friends, to visit my cousin in Texas and slowly into learning to live again. I was still a wreck when I arrived at UMass Lowell. Significantly less so, but I was still strangled by my own
THE UMASS LOWELL
Serving the Student Body Since 1976
UMASS LOWELL CONNECTOR
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anxiety and depression issues in my everyday life. I struggled hard. I was too nervous to eat by myself on weekends, so I didn’t eat. I was too sad to get out of bed some days. I felt like an outsider in all of my classes, like I shouldn’t have made it this far. Like I didn’t belong, and that no one really wanted me around. Like clockwork, though, hockey season started. And I lined up at the Tsongas Center two hours before puck drop with my best friend, braving the cold and unpleasantness. I buzzed at the thought of watching live hockey; my wallet prevented me from ever seeing the Bruins at TD Garden, but I had this. And as I soon found out, I loved this hockey best. My time to cover a game for the Connector came soon enough. Our former editor-in-chief called me while I was back home and asked me to cover a game against Merrimack. I chafed, torn between wanting to go as a spectator and staying home to wallow in my own sadness. It’s hard to say no to Marlon Pitter, though, so I found myself quavering in the Tsongas Center press box come Saturday night. When I looked over at the ice two hours before game time, at some of the players sitting in the stands chatting, I felt something like completeness. A sense of ease that calmed my nerves, even as I was scared to talk to the notoriously prickly Coach Bazin in the postgame presser. Even as the chill settled into my bones, something clicked. For the first time in a long time, maybe even forever, I felt like I was in the right place.
What it means to be a River Hawk Kelly Skelton Connector Contributor
Ah, the almighty question: What does it mean to be a Riverhawk? This is a question that every UMass Lowell student can answer. Though, I’m sure that there are not two identical answers from our student body of well over 18,000. Here’s my take. Being a Riverhawk signifies opportunity. The opportunity to learn, grow and explore. While these concepts may sound similar, I view them as entirely separate from one another. First, learning. Regardless of your major, concentration or interests at UMass Lowell, the availability of learning is plentiful. Whether it be from the state-of-the-art Pulichino Tong
future high-income earners, contact our Advertising Manager at 934-5009. DEADLINE for ALL advertising (TO INCLUDE STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS and ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES OF THE UNIVERSITY) is Tuesday, 12 p.m. for the following Tuesday’s publication. No exceptions will be made. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted. Classified advertisements are free for students. The UMass Lowell Connector does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any product or service advertised in this publication. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The UMass Lowell Connector disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The UMass Lowell Connector reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Editorial: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words in length and may be
submitted via campus mail, e-mail, or in person. All letters must bear the author’s name, relationship to the University and student body, and a phone number. The author may request to have any part of this information withheld, if published. Opinions expressed in individual columns, the Opinions Section, advertising, and/or features are those of the author, NOT of the Connector. The Opinions and Editorials section will not be edited in any way, to include spelling/grammar mistakes. Submission: The deadline for all submissions (to include Letters to the Editors and Opinions) is Friday at midnight for the following Tuesday’s publication. Submissions must be e-mailed to Taylor_Carito@student.uml.edu, attached as a Word document (any version). Accompanying visuals must
Business Center and Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, or historic Coburn Hall, UMass Lowell boasts beautiful academic facilities. Even more incredible than the buildings themselves, are the educators inside them. UMass Lowell upholds its mission of preparing its students to be “work ready, life ready, world ready.â€? A common emphasis on campus is the university’s ROI (return on investment), ranked 28th in the nation. Education alone, UMass Lowell provides quality knowledge and understanding for a more than reasonable price. Secondly, growth. UMass Lowell has the tools to help you achieve your wildest dreams. Want to pursue sports? Come on down to the campus recreation center, full of intramural leagues â–ş See “UMass Lowell,â€? page 3
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October 10, 2017
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NEWS
River Hawks enter 2017-18 season with new alternative practice facility in Tewksbury Vrinda Punj Connector Contributor
The university has been utilizing the Tsongas Center for a lot events, for things other than the hockey practice sessions and games. As a result of this, the hockey team has been using alternative practice sites in lieu of the Tsongas Center. “Tully [Forum] used to be a home for us… The Breakaway Center became available so we jumped on that,” says Norm Bazin, head coach of the River Hawk men’s ice hockey team. Typically, the River Hawks practice away from the Tsongas Center throughout the season. They have actually been using alternative practice sites for over a six years now due to the school’s multi-faceted use of the Tsongas Center for concerts and basketball games. Courtesy of Lowell Sun
Norm Bazin addresses the team in practice.
Since the hockey team has been practicing at alternate practice sites for a long time now, it is not a really a very big adjustment and does not effect the team adversely. “You know what, it’s... necessary when you think about the school trying to use [the Tsongas Center for multiple things] for shows and career fairs is just something you do. Pro sports are the same exact thing. The Boston Bruins skate at their practice arena almost all the time. So it’s a necessary thing,” says Bazin. According to Bazin, the hockey team does not mind practicing at alternative sites because they understand the university’s need to use the Tsongas Center. “We are a team player in the whole scope of the university, so we realize it’s going to be different times that we’re displaced, that’s all,” said Bazin. The truth is that the resources within these practice arenas cannot compare with the Tsongas Center. After practicing at the alternative practice centers the team is very appreciative of all of the resources available at the Tsongas Center. “Having a hockey performance center where [the team can] stretch before practice, and [watch] videos is very beneficial,” said Bazin Occasionally the hockey team does change its practice location in favor of better sites. Originally, the team practiced at Tully Forum, but when the Breakaway Center became available to them they decided to change the alternative practice site. Tewksbury’s Breakaway Center “has a bigger neutral zone in that facility which is easier to practice from the standpoint of systems,” said Bazin.
Courtesy of Breakaway Ice Center
Recently the River Hawks have changed their regular practice site from the Tully Forum in Chelmsford to the Breakaway Ice Center in Tewksbury.
Now the hockey team only practices at Tully about once a year. The school does not inconvenience the players by making it difficult to get to the Breakaway Ice Center. The team has access to buses, for what Bazin says are “safety purposes,” and makes sure that the alternative practice sites do not cause scheduling conflicts. Even though it would be ideal for the hockey team to have access to the Tsongas Center all of the time, but it is clear they are making good use of the alternative practice sites and are not letting the setback affect their performance in the slightest. Connector Editors Hannah Manning and Andrew Sciascia contributed to this article.
UMass Lowell – The land of opportunity ► Continued from Op-Ed
and athletic clubs. Want to improve the community? Join a student activity organization that organizes community/charity events. Want to develop an idea/invention of your own? Hop on over to DifferenceMaker to create your own business. The possibilities are endless and I could go on-and-on. These activities and opportunities build character. Each extra-curricular experience at UMass Lowell will mold you into a more diverse individual.
No place on campus instills the same level of River Hawk pride as the Tsongas Center on the night of a hockey game. Lastly, exploring. Lowell has a lot to offer the UMass Lowell community. From a lively downtown atmosphere to gorgeous parks, a great exploration is always 20 minutes (at most) away! The rich history of Lowell’s textile
mills industry lends students various museums to navigate. Art galleries and ethnic restaurants line the streets surrounding much of the university. Not to forget, there is seemingly always an event going-on around campus. No place on campus instills the same level of River Hawk pride as the Tsongas Center on the night of a hockey game. The scene is electric. Thousands of students, faculty, and alumni joining together in a celebration of UMass Lowell. While the sport of hockey may not intrigue every attendee, the game allows for all UMass Lowell supporters to unite for a common cause. Best of all, the team is extraordinary, empowering each student through the university’s success. In closing, I chose UMass Lowell for its reputation, affordability and growth pattern. Year after year it has continued to amaze me. I am proud to be a River Hawk, having the opportunity to learn, grow and explore every day. I am grateful for each and every day spent at UMass Lowell. I was unsure of myself when entering UMass Lowell just over two years ago. I came to campus as a commuting student, unaware of any extra-curricular organizations. I now am unable to imagine being at another
Courtesy of UMass Lowell
For the 2017-18 academic year, university administrators have begun to focus in on what it means to be a River Hawk.
school. Though I still commute, I call UMass Lowell my home. I feel comfortable and proud walking throughout the campus. I know I feel this way for one reason and it is the single most important message that I can pass on to other students; become involved. Find a society for major, find a club for your hobby, say hello to your classmates. These small gestures can open unbelievable doors of opportunity at UMass Lowell. As I often say, the resources are here, so take advantage of them.
Correction notice: The Sept. 26 issue featured an article about the success of River Hawk Village that featured quotes from Chancellor Moloney expressing opinions and aspirations for the new residence hall. These quotes were meant to be attributed to Christine Gillette on behalf of the chancellor as representative from the chancellor’s office.
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October 10, 2017
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
October 10, 2017
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Mighty Ducks’ is not that mighty Morgyn Joubert Connector Contributor
With the arrival of homecoming week, the need to celebrate the sport of hockey is not uncommon. There are countless classic movies to pick from to start the season off right, but this movie just is not one of them. “Mighty Ducks,” directed by Stephen Herek who is previously known for directing other mediocre films such as “101 Dalmatians,” “The Three Musketeers” and “The Cutting Edge: Fire and Ice,” in 1992 released another tale of a stereotypical underdog who was not able to reach the success that he so rightfully deserved, and instead tries to make that chance possible for a group of misfit kids. The film follows the story of a win-at-all-cost Minneapolis attorney, Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), who previously participated on his own hockey team while growing up, but lost who he once was along the way while becoming an adult. After being sentenced to work 500 hours after a DUI violation, Gordon is forced to become a coach for a broken, unskilled children’s hockey team known as the Ducks. Instead of welcoming the team with open arms, he keeps an arrogant distance from the sport and the team while trying not to remember his own failure while being a team member on the Hawks
during his youth. That all changes when Bombay has the motivation to try and stick it to his condescending ex-coach, Jack Reilly (Lane Smith), who still is coaching the Hawks’ team that Gordon was once a part of. This allows Gordon to warm up to Courtesey of Buena Vista Pictures
Jake Gyllenhaal was originally considered for the part of Charlie Conway.
the idea of competition and create a team that is worthy of winning. Even with the unoriginal script and writing style by Steven Brill, Esteves, who is previously known for playing roles in “The Outsiders” and “The
Breakfast Club,” still tries to make the most out of his role as Gordon. He is able to take scenes that would otherwise seem impossible and make them something worth not falling asleep from. Esteves’ performance showed some wonderful vulnerability, especially in scenes with his love interest: one of the Ducks’ mother’s (Heidi Kling). It was one of the few moments in the entire movie that his character was able to shine through the bleak directing. Other than Esteves’ performance, everyone else did not seem to be able to put there all into their roles. Smith, most of the time, appeared uninterested as the ex-coach, and the children were never convincing enough towards how they felt being the unappreciated team. None of the children ever looked interested in even being in the film in the first place, which really affected how the movie went about. “Mighty Ducks” is certainly not one of the best or worst sports movies ever made, but just because it is not terrible does not mean it is worth watching. In truth, this movie was for hockey fans only. This movie is made only for those interested in sports and coming-of-age movies with the stereotypical underdog scenario. Final Grade: D
‘Hello Destroyer’ suffers for never lightening up Hannah Manning Connector Editor
“Hello Destroyer” is not your father’s hockey movie. Moving past the light and funny fare of “The Mighty Ducks” or even the dark humor of “Slap Shot,” this film is an unflinchingly depressing look into the effect of toxic masculinity and violence in hockey. While it does succeed at portraying the dark underbelly of the junior hockey world to an extent, it commits a cardinal hockey mistake: it cannot stay engaged for the full runtime. Directed and written by Kevan Funk, “Hello Destroyer” was released to much acclaim in 2016 as a statement on institutionalized violence that is so uniquely Canadian. “Hello Destroyer” won best film at both the Leo Awards and the Vancouver Film Critics Circle. The awards are not undeserved – it is a good film, and one that explores a hot-button topic in the sport, but it is not a great film. A junior hockey player finds his life torn to shreds in front of him after he lays an ill-timed hit on an opposing player that lands him in the hospital with horrific injuries. Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson), for much of the 110-minute runtime, adjusts to a life on the periphery of the fraternity and hero worship of hockey players. He is ostracized by not only the community, but by his team and his parents. Further complicating matters, it is implied that Burr suffered a concussion in the opening scene of the film. The film is shot to make the viewer seem like a voyeur. The camera will settle and the actors walk in and out of shot, at either a close-up or stan-
dard distance. When it works, in the cases of close-ups, it works especially well. When it does not, it leads to a lack of clarity as to what is going on.
The film is mostly silent, carried by Burr wandering around the bleak Canadian town that he has been cast out of. This is where the film starts to
Courtesy of Tabula Dada
“Hello Destroyer” won all five awards that it was nominated for at the Vancouver Film Critics Circle.
Abrahamson is a revelation as the conflicted Burr. This is just as well, as “Hello Destroyer” also operates as a character study of a young man in turmoil. He acts without overdoing it and creates a delicate and realistic portrait. His heartbreak at finding out the harm he caused is palpable – Abrahamson does well with conveying emotion in such a stark film. Burr is a wholly sympathetic character. He asks how the other player is doing throughout the film, and is genuinely devastated to have hurt him so badly. However, “Hello Destroyer” sees to it that Burr never has the opportunity to atone for his crimes.
drag; although scenes tend to wrap up quickly, sometimes there are long stretches where the audience watches nothing happen. Although it serves to complete the portrait, it is not necessary to dwell on Burr running at a treadmill during his exile. When “Hello Destroyer” has a plot, it is a very good one. Fallouts are interesting to watch, especially as viewers can recognize the transparency of the actions of others. Burr’s hockey team suspends him indefinitely to save their own hides, all under the guise of culpability. They release a statement with Burr’s name stamped on it, the kicker being that it was written by the
team’s attorney. “All you need to do is step back,” Burr’s coach says. And when it becomes inconvenient to have Burr on the team for any longer, they excise him and cast him aside. Burr finds himself ignored by his coach, thrown out of the house he is staying in and screamed at by his parents for all of the trouble he has caused. It is true; Burr has caused trouble and ruined someone else’s life. But the film argues that Burr is less complicit in the actions that follow than his team or coach is. After all, his coach was the one who goaded him to be more aggressive along the boards. “Hello Destroyer” never outright condemns hockey’s tendency to glorify violence. Rather than do that, Funk chooses to simply portray it and let viewers come to their own conclusions. In the ensuing roll of misfortune, the only comfort to come Burr’s way is his friendship with an older man who has lost just as much. These scenes are almost hopeful, and it seems for a while that Burr might be alright just like his coaches and parents promised. Of course, those scenes are tinged with sadness of their own and Burr falls into even deeper despair. Although “Hello Destroyer” is a necessary film, it needed to be a more gripping one. Abrahamson can only carry it for so long before his back hurts from doing so. Grade: B-
One Celebration. Every Generation.
It’s a D-I celebration for every generation! Join us Oct. 12-15 at River Hawk Homecoming and revel in our rise to Division I athletics at a special celebration. Enjoy a weekend full of entertainment, reunions and family fun.
OCT. 12-15, 2017 ★
uml.edu/homecoming Hawkey Way Homecoming Festival ✶ Division I Hockey Reunions ✶ East Campus Block Party ✶ Live music Annual Jennifer’s 5K Run/Walk
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October 10, 2017
CAMPUS LIFE
The diamond in the rough: Women’s hockey at UMass Lowell Hannah Manning Connector Editor
The women’s club ice hockey team at UMass Lowell makes the best of what they have. Ice time is expensive, so they practice at the Tsongas Center at 10 o’clock at night. The team does not have a goalie at the moment, but they do have a girl interested that has never played the position before. The formula works: last season they were in a similar situation and emerged with the best record that senior forward and captain Jess Volpert has seen during her time at UMass Lowell. The struggle is worth it just to play hockey. “This gives me a chance to continue playing a sport I’ve always played my whole life and it’s the same with a lot of girls on my team. That’s why I came to UMass Lowell -- because of the club hockey team. It’s really helped me... it gave me an escape from school and work, all the stresses of being in college just to be a player again,” said Volpert. UMass Lowell women’s ice hockey takes women of all skill levels – whether they have played varsity hockey in high school or have never strapped on pads. Club fees are between $250-$280, depending on the team’s needs for that particular season. The fees include ice time, paying for travel and warm up jerseys, which Volpert says is a big draw for players. The only thing that recruits need is a rabid love of the game. During Volpert’s time on the team, women’s hockey has emerged as a formidable club on campus. For the first time in a few years, this season has seen more new members than old members. It is a change that excites Volpert. Beyond the influx of new girls, there is an uptick in the skill of the players on the team. Volpert says that there are players who have played varsity hockey in high school signed up to play this year. “That’s an exciting thought because we’re moving from just a purely fun recreational team to one that’s aiming to be more competitive and able to make a name for ourselves as UMass Lowell’s hockey team,” said Volpert. As a school with a Division I men’s ice hockey team but no female counterpart, UMass Lowell has no further place to look than its club ice hockey
team. Volpert says that she would love to see the school develop the club team into a fully Division I school to shake up Hockey East. The club team plays in the Adirondack division of the Independent Women’s Club Hockey League (IWCHL), a league which includes Boston University, Merrimack College and Harvard University. Volpert says that the Adirondack division is for teams that are a good mix of competitive and fun. Volpert and the team will be on the road for exactly half of their season. The season consists of 12 games, six at home in the Tsongas Center and six away. Games are normally on Sundays at 4 p.m. back-to-back with the men’s club team. Located in the eastern conference of their division, UMass Lowell plays Massachusetts Institue of Technology (MIT), the University of Maine, Bates College, Curry College, Stonehill and the University of New England. Coming off of their most successful season in recent memory thanks in part to their head coach Alexa Smith, Volpert dreams of more. “We don’t want this to be a waste of our time anymore. We want to make it worth it and make
a name for ourselves and make an impact on those who are thinking about coming here,” said Volpert. One of Volpert’s priorities is making the playoffs. She acknowledges that the competition is stiff, but she has confidence in her teammates. Keeping in mind that last year the squad carried off a 13-5 win at Curry College, a moment that Volpert carries close to her, the goal is attainable. This ties into another desire of the team. “We’re here to represent the school in the best way that we can with hockey. We want to further UMass Lowell’s outreach in the realm of hockey because we do so much both in men’s club hockey and men’s varsity,” said Volpert. As the team has struggled, lost and won with each other, above all they want to be remembered for their impact on women’s hockey at the university. Visibility is an enormous motivator for the team. Other schools have women’s club hockey teams that are widely known about, and for Volpert that is her ultimate goal. “I want to see us get to the point where people know we kick ass,” said Volpert.
Courtesy of UMass Lowell
UMass Lowell’s women’s ice hockey team faces off against other schools like Westfield state.
Student body undecided on favored hockey jersey ►Continued from front page
er against the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats, the Tsongas Center was filled with a crowd of 5,426, many of them students sporting their colors. Currently on sale at the River . Hawk Shop are the white home and blue away jerseys, both complete with “UMass Lowell” stitched to the chest; the matte grey alternate jersey, adorned with the River Hawk logo on the chest; and the newest addition, the white 50th anniversary “Lowell” jersey. .With the spectacular variety, there is a jersey to fit every fan’s style; some students even have more than one. In taking one glance at the River Hawk fan section, it is plain to see that the students love to throw their favorite jersey on and head to the Tsongas, but with several options and such a wide spread, which authentic, replica jersey is the fan favorite? .“My favorite is the gray alternate jersey. I wish [the team] wore them more,” says senior computer engi-
neering student Grayson Colwell. .Despite only being worn in a handful of games each year, the River Hawk Shop is always well stocked with the alternate jersey. The appeal may have something to do with the presence of the River Hawk on the chest instead of lettering, but some students are not convinced they are all that special. .“I love the blue jerseys... because they aren’t gray,” says Andrew MacGregor, a senior computer science major. .“I see most people wearing the blue and red jerseys. I think it’s because they pop the most. They’re the most flashy,” says Colwell. Despite varying opinions on which jerseys stuck out most or were worn most, the massive fan section at the home opener Friday seemed undecided. No specific jersey seemed to be worn far more than another, and regardless of which jerseys students choose to wear out to the Tsongas, they are always showing their River Hawk pride.
Matt Dwyer/Connector
A selection of UMass Lowell’s game worn hockey jerseys.
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October 10, 2017
SPORTS Men’s hockey aims for a strong 2017-18 season ► Continued from front page
Hawks started their season with a home-andhome against Hockey East foe the University of New Hampshire, and after two weekends of nonconference play, will be embroiled in a nonstop grind of Hockey East play until Thanksgiving. This will be a crucial stretch for the River Hawks, and it will be essential for the team to be firing on all cylinders for each and every game. Early slipups may seem inconsequential in such a long season, but considering the elite level of play across the conference, the River Hawks will need to stay sharp lest they fall too far behind. Bazin, predictably, is mum on whether he anticipates some opponents more than others. “For me the next opponent is what I’m most excited about… you’re coaching more now where every game ... counts exactly the same,” said Bazin. With the standard being set so high by last year’s class, the 2017-18 squad will need to power through their opponents with what they have got. Offense is desperately needed with the absence of Smith and Gambardella; the sophomore line of Kenny Hausinger, Colin O’Neill and Ryan Lohin showed great promise last season but will have to come into their own quickly to continue last year’s momentum.
As with any team in transition, the beginning of this season will likely be fraught with issues, whether they be pesky losing streaks, lack of coordination on the ice and failure to capitalize on
scoring chances. But Bazin has made a career out of crafting superstars from the most unassuming of players and this year will surely be no different.
Matt Dwyer/Connector
John Edwardh dekes around a New Hampshire defender while drawing a hooking penalty.
River Hawks undone in home opener by unranked University of New Hampshire ► Continued from front page
tion (NCAA) Tournament Banner. The by-a-nose finish that followed started with what was a relatively uneventful first period of play. A balanced first period resulted in just one mark on the scoreboard. At
period unscathed. However, the ice tilted heavily in the Wildcats’ favor in the second period of play. “We had some great chances to really open it up … I just think it added to the confidence of the team in that second period, the way
Peppering UMass Lowell goaltender Tyler Wall with 15 shots, the Wildcats carried the period and outshot the River Hawks by 11. UNH also managed to score and tallied two goals to head into intermission with the lead. The first of the Wildcat’s goals
Courtesy of UMass Lowell Athletics
Connor Wilson scored his first goal of the season against the University of New Hampshire.
6:06, junior forward Connor Wilson scored a wrist shot over the shoulder of UNH goaltender Danny Tirone, assisted by defenseman Tommy Panico and Kamrass, that would carry the River Hawks into the second
we played. This is a tough place to play. They’re one of the top teams in the country and we came out in the second and went head to head with them,” said UNH head coach Dick Umile.
was scored at even strength by junior forward Marcus Vela, assisted by defenseman Cameron Marks. The second goal came just 45 seconds later when fellow junior forward Frankie Cefalu scored one on the
power play with assists coming from forwards Chris Miller and Brendan van Reimsdyk. “We were on the wrong side of the puck the whole second period. We had four shots … and that’s not enough to win in any league,” said Bazin. Entering the third period down a goal, UMass Lowell seemed to reassert itself early on. A goal in the first five minutes from senior forward John Edwardh, assisted by sophomore forwards Ryan Lohin and Kenny Hausinger, brought life back to the crowd at the Tsongas. The momentum seemed to stick with the River Hawks for most of the closing period. Despite letting up a top shelf backhand from Wildcat junior forward Ara Nazarian at the midway point, UMass Lowell managed to tie the game once more in the closing minutes. But the lastminute goal was not enough to keep a determined UNH from walking off with two points in their first game of the 2017-18 season. “I thought we had a little bit better of a third period. There was a bit more urgency. But obviously we lose a stick battle there late in the period and it cost us,” said Bazin. Quick to address his concerns with the performance he also said, “We’re going to have to get back to working if we want to have any chance in this league.” UMass Lowell will finish their series with the Wildcats on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the University of New Hampshire. The Hockey East matchup will begin at 7 p.m.
October 10, 2017
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SPORTS
Tyler Mueller: The quiet man Hannah Manning Connector Editor
Like his head coach, senior defenseman and captain of the men’s ice hockey team Tyler Mueller appears to be a man of few words. He answers questions directly, with no more clutter than a fair smattering of “you knows” in his sentences. And for the most part during his timew at UMass Lowell, Mueller has stayed under the radar.
Matt Dwyer/Connector
Tyler Mueller is a captain in his final season.
Mueller tallied nine points in 39 games during the 2016-17 season. His scoring, while intermittent, was a boost for the River Hawks: UMass Lowell had a 5-2-1 record when Mueller scored a point. Beyond that, Mueller was developing as a leader, serving
as an assistant captain under senior defenseman Michael Kapla. The Regina, Saskatchewan native’s efforts have left quite the impression on head coach Norm Bazin, the stern and fearless leader of the River Hawks. “He’s been through a lot of wars and he’s been here for three years. I think he leads by example and he’s going to continue to emerge as the leader and be a little more vocal this year,” said Bazin. Mueller speaks softly and matter-of-factly. Beyond wearing the “C” on his sweater, he is easygoing and intelligent; just as he knows hockey, he also knows himself. Even as a freshman on a well-established River Hawk squad, he says that he saw himself in a leadership position. His priorities as a player bled into his promise as a leader. Mueller says that above all, he feels pride in being a good teammate and that working hard every day along with “doing the right things” contributed to his position as a leader. “I think if you do that, you know, that’s the qualities of a leader and that’s something that I pride myself in,” said Mueller. The previous captain, Kapla, had two years to lead the team, but Mueller only has one. But in sharing responsibility last year and learning the nuances of leadership under Kapla, he says that it has come quite easily to him. “I don’t know about philosophies. I think a lot of it is your natural, you know, style of leader[ship]. There’s definitely areas you can always improve on [in] being a leader. But I think your natural tendencies will always kind of shine through,” said Mueller. With the additional responsibility and weight of being captain, Mueller also finds himself occupied off the ice. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in the spring, Mueller has embarked on his master’s and is balancing that with Division I hockey. Mueller’s achievements do not go unnoticed by Bazin. “That’s pretty impressive and very mature of the kid. He’s well above his class from a standpoint in maturity,” said Bazin.
U P C OM I N G
River Hawk Games 7:15 p.m.
MICE vs Omaha
Saturday, Oct. 14
7 p.m.
MICE vs Omaha
Friday, Oct. 20
7 p.m.S
MICE at Clarkson
Saturday, Oct. 21
7 p.m. MICE at St. Lawrence
Friday, Oct. 13
Friday, Oct. 27 Saturday, Oct. 28
7:15 p.m. MICE vs Northeastern 7 p.m.
MICE at Northeastern
For more sports information and full game schedules visit goriverhawks.com
Mueller does not seem to be particularly flustered by the enormity of it all; for him, it is another year in the books. Just a little bit trickier. “I took two grad classes in the summer and then [I’m] taking some now this semester and you know, it is tougher. But I guess you kind of figure out how to time-manage through the three years previously. Just maybe a little bit more work this year, but kind of [the] same process,” said Mueller. As the River Hawks seek to follow up on their banner year last season as Hockey East champions, Mueller’s goals center around not himself but his teammates, whom he describes as “a good supporting cast.” He carefully avoids excessive mention of himself and works hard to not praise himself too highly. But he does speak of the ties between player and leader, the motivations that stir underneath the skins of both. At the end of that, he says that his individual goal as a player and captain is to improve every day, do the right things and exemplify the qualities of being a good player. “The ultimate goal is to play as high level as possible and that’s what drives you as a player and the competitiveness within yourself, I think that drives you as a leader as well,” said Mueller.
Croix Evingson settles into place at UMass Lowell Christina Laderoute Web Manager
Born in Alaska, but raised in Minnesota, freshman defenseman Croix Evingson came to know and love the fast-paced sport of hockey at the ripe age of four. Sixteen years later and he is still hooked. “I fell in love with it right away,” said Evingson. He lived close to his local rink in Minnesota and says hockey “just seemed like the right fit.” After pondering on the thought, he credits his father with inspiring him to play. “My dad [inspired me] because he introduced the game to me. He’s kind of the one that taught me how to skate. Both my parents did,” he said. His father grew up playing hockey. Evingson said that his father definitely had an influence on him. As a child, Evingson says that he looked up to the professional players with dreams of one day being like them. “I feel like when you’re a little kid you always look up to the pro hockey players and you kind of hope one day maybe you can achieve that,” said Evingson. When it comes to his most rewarding moment either on or off the ice, committing to play Division I hockey at UMass Lowell is that moment for
Evingson. “It was a dream to play college hockey. It just seems like a really good fit and I’m excited to get started here,” he said. Before attending UMass Lowell, Evingson played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the Shreveport Mudbugs in Louisiana. According to his biography on the UMass Lowell athletics website, he was named Defenseman of the Year and selected to the All-NAHL Team, as well as the All-South Division Team. Additionally, he recorded a total of 52 points in 59 games and racked up 40 assists. Evingson said the transitioning from an NAHL team to a Division I team was a big adjustment. “The guys are older, they’re bigger, and faster, and stronger, so you definitely [have to] pick up your pace of play and get adjusted pretty quick because it’s not waiting for you,” he said. “You [have to] adjust. So, once you get your feet wet, get comfortable a little bit and get up to speed, it’ll be good.” One of the things Evingson is looking forward to the most is having the school community attend the games. He said he is also excited about being with his teammates all day long and growing as a group throughout the year.
Evingson also spoke about how he thought playing for UMass Lowell will improve his technique and skill and said that UMass Lowell was a perfect fit for him. “We have great coaches here and endless resources to get better, you know it’s up to you to spend the work,” he said. During the 2016 National Hockey League draft, Evingson was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the seventh round and was 211th overall. When it came to the draft, he said that he was not getting his hopes up. He had an inkling that he might get picked, but when it happened, he said it was “obviously pretty cool and it’s kind of a dream come true.” At the moment though, he is just focused on being at UMass Lowell. A week before classes started, Evingson found himself at the Winnipeg Jets practice camp. Although it was a big step and a good experience, he said that he is still looking forward to being at UMass Lowell, playing with the team, and improving his game. On why he chose UMass Lowell, Evingson said everything — the coaches, the campus, the arena, the history and culture — just made sense to him. He says that it is the perfect fit.