River Hawks are coming on as strong contenders
In a league made up of some of the country's best programs, including the defending NCAA champion, individual recognition is a challenge in Hockey East. But UMass-Lowell has emerged from a rebuilding team to a contender. Heading into this weekend's home-and-home series with the University of New Hampshire, the River Hawks (8-5-0, 5-3-0) have won five of their last six games, including victories over UMass in Amherst and UNH.
"The reason for our success to this point is we have a tremendous group of talented players, committed players, and we've got great leadership," said coach Blaise MacDonald, in his eighth year behind the River Hawks' bench. "It's a very easy team to coach."
The road hasn't been without some bumps. No. 1 goalie Carter Hutton went down with a high ankle sprain against Boston University Nov. 7. Freshman T.J. Massie finished the game, but it's junior Nevin Hamilton who has taken over the top spot. The squad is without three forwards, senior Mark Roebothan, sophomore Jason DeLuca, and freshman Matt Ferreira, all sidelined with shoulder injuries. Fortunately, the River Hawks have just one more game after this weekend (against BU Dec. 12) before the holiday break that will give them until Jan. 2 to heal.
"Up until our injuries, I thought our strength was the fact we had four lines who could play against anybody," said MacDonald. "We didn't have to match lines. Now we have to manage our lines a little bit better. I think our system is really strong, but obviously some can execute it better than others."
UMass-Lowell has the fifth-best power play in the country, with a 21.1 percent success rate (15 for 71).
"That gives us a chance, particularly if we manage the game properly and get some power-play opportunities, we have a chance to create offense off of that," said MacDonald.
"We haven't come close to hitting our stride [because of injuries]. I really think this team has a chance to do some really special things. We've been playing very well and very consistently. We've got a team that's built to last."
One of the top lines has been sophomore center Scott Campbell with Roebothan and senior Mike Potacco. Campbell had a career-high 5 points in a 6-3 win over RIT last Saturday.
"It was a unique line that could do a great job shutting down our opponents' top line and also be a point producer and momentum changer for our team," said MacDonald. "[Campbell] is playing with so much more poise and understanding of the game. With each game, you can see the confidence growing. I think he's increased his skills and his strength. He just has a lot of talent."
With Roebothan out, freshman Michael Budd will likely step in. Campbell said the team is doing well because everyone is buying into the system.
"We've set the bar high for ourselves," said Campbell. "Last year was getting into the thick of things and this year we can compete with anybody as long as we show up and play for 60 minutes. Definitely to get those two wins - against UNH and at UMass - were huge for us. The season's not long enough for us to take any nights off. Every point counts."
Campbell goes into the games against UNH third on the team with 12 points in 13 games.
If there is a Seventh Player Award, MacDonald said it should go to the fans, who have supported the team all season.
"Our crowds have been exceptional," he said. "We've had a student section that has been unprecedented, 800-1,100 behind the net every game. It's huge, it's something we've never experienced here before."
Locals on Team USA
The Team USA roster for the 2009 World Junior Championship was announced yesterday, with five local players being named to the squad. Forward Colin Wilson and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk are from BU, forward James van Riemsdyk and defenseman Blake Kessel are from UNH, and forward Jimmy Hayes is from Dorchester and Boston College . . . Northeastern (10-3-2, 7-2-1 Hockey East) hosts Maine tomorrow night in the Huskies' final game before the break. The team, which is unbeaten at home (3-0-1), became the third to reach 10 victories behind Air Force and Notre Dame. Goaltender Brad Thiessen was named Hockey East's Goaltender of the Month for November with a record of 5-2-1, a 2.35 goals-against average, and a .926 save percentage.Nancy Marrapese-Burrell can be reached at marrapese@globe.com. 