Massachusetts hockey followers can start to map out their fall and winter weekends because the 2016-17 schedule was launched earlier this week. With the UMass Athletics web site quickly in transition the schedule is just obtainable in Tweet kind:
This looks as if a stable schedule for the staff this yr. There will probably be lots of new faces on the squad, to not point out a model new teaching workers, and it’s mentioned that lengthy highway journeys generally helps groups bond. Nicely the Minutemen can have a few these with a visit throughout the Atlantic to play within the Friendship 4 in Belfast, Eire in November after which will head west to Minnesota for the Mariucci Traditional the next month.
UMass will host a pair western groups as effectively. They’ll kick off the season once more in opposition to Colorado School, however this time at house. After which in December they host faculty hockey’s latest program, Arizona State, for 2 video games. They’ll additionally host AIC and Military in non-conference video games. They’ll tackle a pair ECAC foes on the highway with Princeton and Quinnipiac.
UMass does hand over a house recreation as a result of Frozen Fenway matchup in opposition to Boston College on January seventh. Residence video games are entrance loaded on this schedule with 7 of the primary 9 video games being performed on the Mullins Heart. Sadly simply 6 of the 16 video games performed after winter break will probably be performed at house. One other annoying a part of the schedule is the truth that there’s not one, not two, not three, not 4, however FIVE video games are performed on Tuesdays. Have you ever all the time wished to see UMass play in Princeton’s historic Hobey Baker Rink? Nicely have enjoyable driving to New Jersey on a Tuesday. Three of the six house video games after the New 12 months fall on a Tuesday. That’s fairly ridiculous, frankly, and will by no means occur.
I feel how the schedule is ready up, when it comes to timing of the journeys, house video games versus away video games, and so forth., will in all probability have an important affect on the staff’s file than the precise energy of the opponents. Hockey East is Hockey East and the non-conference slate doesn’t appear overwhelming. Total a good schedule exterior of the few annoying quirks.
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Ivan Chukarov made a superb impression at Buffalo Sabres growth camp just lately. Earlier than camp began the Sabres had this story on their website about Chukarov desirous to make an affect throughout his second summer time with the staff that drafted him. Mission achieved as Chukarov was offered with the Craig Ramsay Award for being the toughest working participant at camp.
William Lagesson talked about a few of his expertise at Edmonton Oilers camp:
Henry Dill, who parted methods with UMass this Spring will play in web for Utica School.
And it has additionally been reported that former UMass ahead Keith Burchett will probably be transferring to Lowell.
Maddison Smiley reportedly will probably be enjoying at a faculty in his native Alberta subsequent season.
The convention carousel retains on turning with Minnesota State making an attempt to maneuver from the WCHA to the NCHC.
Lastly, in would be the center of Summer season however individuals in Amherst are already fired up in regards to the coming season of UMass hockey! “3:01 a.m. – Police spoke to individuals carrying a big billboard promoting UMass hockey on North Nice Road. The billboard was returned to its proprietor.”