Umass Amherst Vs Umass Lowell Hockey
Hockey is a popular sport played in the United States, especially in Massachusetts. Universities and colleges in Massachusetts have a rich tradition of playing hockey. Among these educational institutions are Umass Amherst and Umass Lowell. The two universities have a long-standing rivalry on the ice, and their hockey games are always a highlight of the season. This article compares and contrasts Umass Amherst vs Umass Lowell hockey teams.
History of Hockey at Umass Amherst
Umass Amherst has a rich history of playing ice hockey. The team's origins can be traced back to 1908, making it one of the oldest hockey teams in the United States. The team has played in the NCAA Division I since the program's inception in 1960. The team has had some notable players, including Martin Mullen, a former captain of the 1980 US Olympic team.
History of Hockey at Umass Lowell
Umass Lowell's ice hockey team has a shorter history than Umass Amherst's. The program began in 1965 and has played in the NCAA Division I since 1983. The team has made eight appearances in the NCAA tournament, including a run to the Frozen Four in 2013. The team has produced some notable players, including Craig MacTavish, a former NHL player and coach.
Head-to-Head Matchups
The Umass Amherst vs Umass Lowell rivalry has produced many exciting and intense hockey games over the years. The two teams have played each other 97 times, with Umass Amherst leading the series 52-35-10. The last meeting between the two teams was in February 2020, where Umass Lowell won 6-2.
Current Hockey Teams
The current Umass Amherst hockey team is coached by Greg Carvel, who has been the head coach since 2016. The team has had success under Carvel's leadership, winning the Hockey East championship in 2019 and making it to the Frozen Four in 2019 and 2021. The team's current roster includes some talented players, including defenseman Zac Jones, who was a second-round draft pick of the New York Rangers in 2020.
The current Umass Lowell hockey team is coached by Norm Bazin, who has been the head coach since 2011. The team has had success under Bazin's leadership, winning the Hockey East championship in 2013 and making it to the NCAA tournament eight times. The team's current roster includes some talented players, including forward Matt Brown, who was a fifth-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018.
Conclusion
The Umass Amherst vs Umass Lowell hockey rivalry is a long-standing tradition in Massachusetts. Both teams have a rich history of playing ice hockey and have produced some talented players over the years. Though Umass Amherst leads the series against Umass Lowell, the two teams continue to produce exciting and intense hockey games. Fans of both teams can look forward to more exciting matchups in the future.