Tag Archives: UMass Hockey

May 15 2013

UMass hockey to play Denver in non-conference matchup

Nicole Evangelista/Collegian

Nicole Evangelista/Collegian

The University of Denver announced on Wednesday that the Massachusetts hockey team will be part of its non-conference slate for the 2013-14 season.

Upon releasing its 2013-14 schedule on Wednesday, the school’s hockey program said via Twitter (@DU_Hockey) that the two teams will go head-to-head at the Mullins Center on Dec. 17.

The announcement adds to the list of non-conference opponents that UMass is expected to play this upcoming season, which reportedly includes Michigan State.

This will be just the third meeting between the two schools, with Denver winning in both 2004 and 2005 — winning the National Championship both years.  Continue reading →

Mar 29 2013

Conor Allen signs with NY Rangers

Cade Belisle/Daily Collegian

Cade Belisle/Daily Collegian

 

Massachusetts hockey defenseman Conor Allen has officially signed a professional contract with the New York Rangers on Friday, officially ending his collegiate career with the Minutemen.

The announcement was made via Twitter by multiple UMass players, including forward Conor Sheary (@csheary13): “Couldn’t be happier for @connieallen4 signing his contract with the rangers today! #graystreetinthepros #congrats.”

Allen leaves UMass after three seasons which he recorded 14 goals, 25 assists and 39 points in 100 career games. The junior was one of the Minutemen’s most effective defenseman in 2012-13 when he had a career-high in assists (14) and points (19), leaving the team with a big void to fill for next year.

The only starting defensemen UMass has on its roster currently are Joel Hanley, Oleg Yevenko, Colin Shea and Anthony Raiola, which means the Minutemen will likely rely on committed freshmen Ben Gallacher, Mark Hamilton and Marc Hetnik to fill spots at the blue line.

 

Mar 9 2013

Rapid Reaction: UMass 3, Merrimack 0

The Massachusetts hockey team defeated Merrimack 3-0 on Senior Night at the Mullins Center.

Shea scores: Colin Shea put UMass up 3-0 when he scored from the point. The puck appeared to have been redirected by a Warrior along the way and as a result it went over Sam Marotta’s shoulder and into the net.

UMass dominates first period: The Minutemen scored twice in the first period with the first coming from Adam Phillips when he scored off of a beautiful feed from one of UMass’ four seniors on Senior Night, Rocco Carzo. The Minutemen scored another when Conor Sheary tapped in an easy rebound. Branden Gracel had the original shot that produced the rebound and Phillips also got an assist.

Ejection and bench minor: In the second period, Branden Gracel was hit hard along the boards by a Merrimack player. Gracel then went down to the ice, but was able to skate off under his own power. The referees did not call a penalty on the hit, which upset the Minutemen and they protested. UMass was given a bench minor as a result. Mike Busillo was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for making contact to the head of a Warrior on an open ice hit during the first period.

Senior Night: The Minutemen’s four seniors, Carzo, Eddie Olczyk, Kevin Czepiel and Darren Rowe were honored after the game on Senior Night. Olczyk was injured last night and could not play tonight, but he was allowed to sit on the bench during his final game.

Mar 9 2013

2nd Intermission thoughts: UMass 3, Merrimack 0.

The Massachusetts hockey team added another goal on the second period and it now leads Merrimack 3-0 heading into the final frame.

Shea scores: Colin Shea put UMass up 3-0 when he scored from the point. The puck appeared to have been redirected by a Warrior along the way and as a result it went over Sam Marotta’s shoulder and into the net.

Penalty madness: Later in the second period, Branden Gracel was hit hard along the boards by a Merrimack player. Gracel then went down to the ice, but was able to skate off under his own power. The referees did not call a penalty on the hit, which upset the Minutemen and they protested. UMass was given a bench minor as a result.

Mar 9 2013

1st Intermission thoughts: UMass 2, Merrimack 0

The Massachusetts hockey team had a strong first period and it leads Merrimack 2-0 at the first intermission.

Phillips strikes first: The Minutemen got on the board first when Adam Phillips scored off of a beautiful feed from one of UMass’ four seniors on Senior Night, Rocco Carzo.

Sheary adds another: The Minutemen scored another when Conor Sheary tapped in an easy rebound. Branden Gracel had the original shot that produced the rebound and Phillips also got an assist.

Olczyk on the bench: Despite getting injured last night, Eddie Olczyk is being allowed to sit on the bench on Senior Night. He is one of four seniors being honored along with Carzo, Kevin Czepiel and Darren Rowe.

Bussilo ejected: Mike Busillo was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for making contact to the head of a Warrior on an open ice hit during the first period.

Feb 23 2013

Rapid Reaction: UMass 5, Maine 2

Taylor C. Snow/ Collegian

Taylor C. Snow/ Collegian

The Massachusetts hockey team defeated Maine 5-2 Saturday night at the Mullins Center. With the win, the Minutemen (11-17-2, 8-14-1 Hockey East Association) are back in eighth place and one point ahead of the Black Bears (9-17-6, 5-12-6 for the final spot in the Hockey East Playoffs.

LaRue puts UMass ahead in third: Fourth-line forward Zack LaRue put the Minutemen back on top with a goal in the third period, when he put home a rebound that Maine goalie Martin Ouellette couldn’t cover up. Conor Sheary added on an insurance goal later in the third. Kevin Czepiel added an empty-net goal in the final minute of the game to wrap up the two points.

UMass goes up early: With 14:09 remaining in the first period, Adam Phillips put UMass up 1-0 when he put home a rebound off of a shot by Rocco Carzo. Then Branden Gracel put the Minutemen up 2-0 at the time when he shot a rocket that beat Ouellette over his glove at the 7:47 mark in the frame.

Maine responds in second: The Black Bears dominated the second period with a pair of goals to tie the game up at 2-2. Both goals came on wrist shots that beat UMass goalie Steve Mastalerz. Jake Rutt scored the first one on a power play goal. Then Bill Norman tied the game later in the frame.

Up Next: UMass will be back in action next weekend when it travels to No. 5 New Hampshire for a pair of road games. Friday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Feb 23 2013

2nd Intermission Report: UMass 2, Maine 2

The Massachusetts hockey team and Maine are all knotted up 2-2 after two periods of play at the Mullins Center.

Maine scores a pair: The Black Bears dominated the second period with a pair of goals to tie the game up at 2-2. Both goals came on wrist shots that beat UMass goalie Steve Mastalerz. Jake Rutt scored the first one on a power play goal. Then Bill Norman tied the game later in the frame.

Stats: Maine outshot the Minutemen 10-8 during the second. UMass committed three penalties and the Black Bears will begin the third period on the man up advantage. Both Black Bears’ goalie Martin Ouellette and Mastalerz made eight saves. Devin Shore was credited with the assist on Rutt’s goal and Andre Cerretani got the helper on Norman’s.