Minutemen Dominate Friday Night

UMass ignited the weekend with a commanding 5-1 victory over maine on Friday.The Minutemen surged ahead early, scoring three goals in the frist period, setting a tone of dominance that Maine struggled to counter. Cole O’Hara initiated the scoring just 2 minutes,52 seconds into the game,redirecting a shot from freshman Francesco Dell’Elce past Maine goaltender Albin boija. This goal marked O’Hara’s 21st of the season and extended his point streak to an extraordinary 13 games.

The Minutemen continued to build their lead, with Kenny connors scoring on the power play at the 7:09 mark, assisted by Aydar Suniev and Lucas Mercuri. Jack musa then added another goal in the final minute of the first period, capitalizing on a rebound after Lucas Olvestad’s shot was saved, further solidifying UMass’s control of the game.

Joey Musa, a graduate student, scored his first goal as a Minuteman early in the second period, increasing the lead to 4-0. Owen Murray and Bo Cosman assisted on the play. Maine managed to break the shutout bid in the third period when Charlie Russell scored, but O’Hara responded with a shorthanded goal to seal the 5-1 victory, ensuring UMass maintained their comfortable lead.

Goaltender Michael Hrabal was a key factor in the win, stopping 38 of 39 shots. The Minutemen’s penalty kill was also strong,holding Maine to 0-for-4 on the power play,demonstrating their defensive prowess.

Saturday’s Tie and Shootout Loss

Saturday’s game presented a tighter contest, with UMass holding a 2-0 lead after two periods before Maine rallied to tie the score in the third. Dans Locmelis opened the scoring for UMass eight minutes into the first period,capitalizing on a turnover caused by Cam O’Neill. Larry Keenan doubled the lead early in the second period, scoring off a feed from Locmelis and Suniev.

Maine mounted a comeback in the third period, with Luke Antonacci scoring at 5:26 and Nicholas Niemo tying the game at 9:47. After a scoreless overtime, Maine secured the extra point with a 2-0 shootout victory.

Despite the loss, UMass outshot Maine 42-23. Michael Hrabal made 21 saves for UMass,while Albin Boija stopped 40 shots for Maine,highlighting the intense battle between the two teams.

O’Hara’s Outstanding Season

junior forward Cole O’Hara has been a standout player for UMass this season. He is currently tied for third in the nation in points, with 49. His dramatic enhancement over last season is noteworthy, marking him as a key player in the Minutemen’s success.

O’Hara has blown past his previous career high for a season and is +31 past his 2023-24 total for points (18), a greater jump in point production than any player in the top-10 nationally, nearly doubling the next-closest player.

Victory Over Top-Ranked Boston College

A highlight of the season for UMass was their victory over unanimous No. 1 ranked Boston College. This marked their first win against a number one opponent since the 2022-23 season, a testament to their ability to compete at the highest level.

UMass’ victory over unanimous No. 1 ranked Boston College is their first victory over a number one opponent since back-to-back victories over Denver during the 2022-23 season. The victory is their ninth over a number one ranked team.

the win against Boston College was also significant as it was their first victory over the Eagles as February 26,2021,breaking a long-standing drought.

Minutemen Leading in Hockey East

The UMass Minutemen have consistently performed well in Hockey East this season. Cole O’Hara leads the team with 29 points in conference play, ranking fifth in the league.several other Minutemen have also contributed significantly to the team’s offensive output, making them a formidable force in the conference.

The team’s power play has been effective, scoring 14 power-play goals with a 19.7% success rate, ranking fifth in Hockey East. Their penalty kill is also strong, ranking third in the league with an 85.5% success rate, showcasing their balanced performance.

Defensively,UMass has allowed the third-fewest goals against in league play,despite facing the most shots. Goaltenders Michael Hrabal and Jackson Irving have been instrumental in the team’s defensive success, leading the league with 706 saves and a .924 team save percentage.

Connors’ Goal-Scoring Streak

Kenny Connors set a new program record for the most consecutive games with a goal, with six. He scored seven goals during that span, including a two-goal performance against Merrimack. His streak is tied for the third-longest in college hockey this season, highlighting his scoring ability.

With an empty net goal against Boston College on 2/14,Kenny Connors set a new program record for the most consecutive games with a goal with six. Connors recorded seven goals during that span, including a two goal performance against Merrimack. The streak is tied for the third-longest in college hockey this season.

O’Hara’s Point Streak Ends

Cole O’Hara’s impressive 13-game point streak recently came to an end. during the streak, he accumulated 22 points, including four on the power play, and 12 blocked shots, demonstrating his all-around contribution to the team.

Concluding at 13 games,Cole O’Hara’s point streak ends as the fourth-longest in college hockey this season and the second-longest in 2025.Jack Musa saw his nine-game point streak come to an end, a streak good for 11th longest this season in college hockey.

O’Hara’s 13-game streak is the longest in UMass history, surpassing tim Turner’s 11-game streak from the 2002-03 season, solidifying his place in the program’s record books.

O’Hara Chasing History

Cole O’Hara’s outstanding performance this season has placed him among the program’s all-time greats. His 49 points tie him for fifth on UMass’ all-time single-season list, alongside Cale Makar and Bobby Trivigno, esteemed figures in UMass hockey history.

Cole O’Hara currently has 49 points (20g, 27a) through 36 games, tying him for 5th on UMass’ all-time single-season list alongside a pair of Hobey Baker finalists in

The UMass Minutemen hockey team is riding a wave of success, fueled by outstanding individual performances and strong team statistics. Junior forward Cole O’Hara was named Hockey East Player of the Week on Oct. 14,marking a significant milestone in his collegiate career.Aydar Suniev and Jack Musa are making national headlines with their impressive goal-scoring records,while goaltender Michael Hrabal continues to solidify his reputation as one of the nation’s top netminders. The team’s overall performance reflects a potent combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess.

O’Hara’s Hockey East Player of the Week recognition followed his exceptional showing at the Ice breaker Tournament. The Minutemen split their games at the tournament, facing tough competition in a 3-2 overtime loss to #15/16 Omaha and rebounding with a decisive 5-1 victory over Air Force. O’Hara’s contributions were instrumental in both contests, earning him a well-deserved spot on the Ice Breaker All-Tournament Team.

During the tournament, O’Hara recorded an assist against Omaha and then exploded for a career-high three-point night against Air Force. He scored two goals against the Falcons, including a crucial game-winning power-play goal and a late empty-netter to seal the victory. In addition to his offensive contributions, O’Hara also contributed defensively with one blocked shot.

[Cole O’Hara] registered an assist against Omaha and then followed up with a then career high three-point night against Air Force, which included two goals—the game-winning power-play goal and an empty net goal.He also registered one block against the Falcons.

Duerr’s Debut

Adding to the excitement surrounding the team,freshman forward James duerr made a memorable splash early in the season. On Nov. 8, against Vermont, Duerr collected the first three points of his college career, scoring two goals and adding an assist.Notably, he factored into all three UMass goals that evening, showcasing his immediate impact on the team’s offensive capabilities.

[James Duerr] collected the first three points of his college career against Vermont on Nov. 8, netting two goals and an assist, factoring in on all three UMass goals on the evening.

National Recognition for Suniev and Musa

Aydar suniev and Jack Musa are not just contributing to the team’s success; they are also gaining national recognition for their scoring prowess. Suniev is currently tied for 22nd nationally in goals, with 17, and ranks 16th in goals per game at 0.55. His overall offensive impact is further highlighted by his 35 points,placing him 36th in the nation,and his 1.13 points per game, ranking him 22nd. Suniev’s knack for scoring crucial goals is evident in his three game-winning goals,which place him 42nd in the nation.

Jack Musa’s three game-winning goals also tie him for 42nd nationally, demonstrating his ability to come through in critical moments. His standout performance, including a hat trick against UConn, has propelled him to a tie for 22nd in goals with 17. Musa also ranks 30th in the country in goals per game with .47, further solidifying his status as a key offensive threat for the Minutemen.

O’Hara’s Assist Prowess and Overall Impact

Cole O’Hara’s contributions extend beyond goal-scoring; he is also a skilled playmaker. O’Hara has climbed to eighth in the nation in assists with 27 and is tied for third in points with 49 (22 goals, 27 assists). His consistent performance is reflected in his ranking of 13th in assists per game at 0.75 and fourth in points per game with 1.36. O’Hara is tied for sixth in the nation with 22 goals,seven of which were scored on the power play,ranking him 15th nationally. His goal against New Hampshire on Feb. 22 marked his fourth game-winning goal of the season, placing him 17th in the nation.

Connors Joins the Game-Winning Goal Club

kenny Connors is also making a significant impact for UMass, tied with O’Hara with four game-winning goals, which is 17th best in the nation. This demonstrates the team’s depth and ability to rely on multiple players to deliver in crucial situations.

Hrabal’s Dominance in Goal

Michael Hrabal’s performance in goal has been a cornerstone of the Minutemen’s success. He is tied for 10th nationally in wins with 17, 14th in shutouts with two, and 11th in save percentage at .926. These statistics highlight his consistency and ability to shut down opposing offenses.

mercuri’s faceoff Prowess

lucas Mercuri’s skill in the faceoff circle has earned him a national ranking, coming in at 23rd in faceoffs won with 352. Winning faceoffs is crucial for controlling possession and setting up offensive opportunities, making Mercuri’s contribution a valuable asset to the team.

Hat Trick Heroes

Cole O’Hara, Jack Musa, and Aydar Suniev are all tied for seventh in the nation with one hat trick apiece. This showcases the team’s offensive firepower and the ability of multiple players to have breakout performances.

Team Statistics Highlight Offensive and Defensive Strength

The UMass offense continues to impress,ranking 10th in scoring offense with 3.42 goals per game, seventh in team assists with 217, and seventh in team points with 340. The power play is ranked eighth at 25.2%. Defensively, the team is allowing 2.58 goals per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. These statistics demonstrate a well-rounded team capable of both scoring and preventing goals.

AMHERST, Mass. – the umass Minutemen are primed for the 2024-25 hockey season, announcing Linden Alger as their new captain. The team also named senior forwards Ryan Lautenbach and Lucas Mercuri as alternate captains. With a strong connection to the National Hockey League,highlighted by 15 alumni playing professionally during the 2023-24 season and nine current players having been drafted,the Minutemen are poised to build on their recent successes and continue their tradition of developing top-tier hockey talent.

Linden Alger, a graduate student defenseman, will wear the “C” for the 2024-25 campaign. Alger, returning for his fifth year with the Minutemen, brings a wealth of experience, having played in 66 games, including a career-best 35 in the 2023-24 season. He has tallied 14 points, comprising six goals and eight assists. A four-time Hockey East All-Academic Team honoree, Alger is the first Massachusetts native to captain UMass since Conor sheary in 2013-14.

Senior forwards Ryan Lautenbach and Lucas Mercuri will serve as alternate captains, providing additional leadership. Lautenbach is coming off a productive 2023-24 season, where he recorded 24 points with 10 goals and 14 assists. He also led the team with three shorthanded goals and one game-winning goal. With 138 career games under his belt, Lautenbach has amassed 22 goals and 44 assists for 66 points. He is a two-time Hockey East All-Academic Team member.

Lucas Mercuri, a 2020 sixth-round draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, has been a consistent presence for UMass, appearing in 144 of a possible 145 games. He has accumulated 84 career points with 27 goals and 57 assists. As a junior, Mercuri set career highs in goals (9), assists (16), and points (25). He has also earned Hockey East All-Academic team honors twice.

The Minutemen’s robust connection to the NHL is a significant source of pride for the program. During the 2023-24 season, UMass was tied for fourth-most alumni playing in the NHL with 15. The team also boasts nine draft picks on the 2024-25 roster, tying them for ninth nationally. In August 2021, The hockey News recognized UMass as the top developmental program in NCAA Men’s college hockey.

Among the drafted players returning to UMass are Dans Locmelis (Boston,2022 fourth round),Michael Hrabal (Arizona,2023 second round),Cam O’Neill (Ottawa,2022 fifth round),aydar Suniev (Calgary,2023 third round),and Nick VanTassell (Ottawa,2023 seventh round). Kenny Connors (Los Angeles, 2022 fourth round) and Lucas Mercuri (Carolina, 2020 sixth round) are also returning to the fold.

Adding to the NHL pipeline, freshman larry Keenan was selected by the Detroit Red wings in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

The UMass roster showcases a diverse group of players hailing from seven different countries and nine different states. Springfield native Kennedy O’Connor is the closest to home at 27 miles, while Aydar Suniev is the furthest, coming from Kazan, Russia, a distance of 4,844 miles.

Sophomore Jack Musa and his older brother Joey Musa have reunited for Joey’s final season of eligibility after Joey previously played three seasons at Dartmouth. The duo was most recently teammates in 2020-21 with the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL.

despite hailing from Orange park, Florida, the Musa brothers have strong family ties to Western Massachusetts, as their father, Joe Musa, is a Springfield native who played college hockey at Division III Western New England from 1990-92.

The Minutemen have enjoyed considerable success at home, posting a 93-34-13 record at the Mullins Center over the past five-plus seasons (2018-present), resulting in a .711 winning percentage. This includes a 16-game unbeaten streak that began on Jan. 11, 2019, against Vermont and concluded on Nov. 30, 2019, with a loss to Quinnipiac.

UMass finished its home schedule ranked 13th nationally in attendance and 11th in average attendance (5,544) over 17 home games in 2023-24. The attendance against No. 6 Michigan tied the program’s Mullins Center attendance record at 8,412. The weekend series against Michigan set a new non-conference weekend series attendance record with a combined total of 15,773.

UMass drew 7,737 fans against Maine on Feb. 3, 6,342 against UConn on Feb. 10, 8,412 against Boston College on Feb. 16, and 6,089 on Feb. 23 vs. New Hampshire. This matched a program record of four straight home crowds of 6,000+, first set in 2007. For the home regular-season finale,6,289 fans came out to the Mullins Center,breaking the record with a fifth-straight home crowd of 6,000+.

The streak of 6,000+ attendances continued for the Minutemen in their 2024-25 home opener with a crowd of 6,022 vs. Sacred Heart on Oct. 18 and a sellout crowd of 8,412 against.

Team Statistics and Rankings

The UMass Minutemen showcase a potent offense, converting on 25.2% of their power-play opportunities, ranking 11th nationally with 27 power-play goals.Their scoring margin stands at an impressive 1.00, placing them ninth in the nation. The penalty kill unit has steadily improved, now operating at an 84.3% success rate, good for 11th in the nation.The team’s scoring defense has risen to 15th best nationally, allowing just 2.42 goals per game. Furthermore, the Minutemen have improved in faceoff efficiency, winning at a 51.4% clip, which ranks 21st in the nation.

Hrabal’s Saves Galore

Michael Hrabal delivered a career-high 44-save performance in a victory over AIC on November 2, marking his third 40+ save performance in his college career. This topped his previous best of 41 saves against Denver in the 2024 NCAA Regional Tournament and a 40-save game against Boston College earlier in the 2023-24 season.

“With a career-high 44-save performance in a victory over AIC on November 2, [michael Hrabal] picked up the third 40+ save performance of his college career, topping his previous best of 41 saves against Denver in the 2024 NCAA Regional Tournament and a 40-save game against Boston college earlier in the 2023-24 season.”

Suniev’s Season Opener Hat Trick

Aydar Suniev recorded his first career hat trick in the 2024-25 season opener, surpassing his previous single-game high of two goals.This was the first hat trick by a UMass forward since the 2021 NCAA Tournament (Carson Gicewicz vs Bemidji State 3/27/21). It was also the first in a season opener by a Minuteman as Austin Plevy in a 6-3 win over Colorado College on 10/9/15.

Carvel’s Coaching Milestone

The 2024-25 season marked Greg Carvel’s 150th win at umass with a victory over Bentley on Oct. 5,2024. He reached this milestone 87 games quicker than Don “toot” Cahoon.

On March 1, with a 5-3 win at UMass Lowell, Carvel became the all-time winningest coach in program history, passing Cahoon.

Cahoon recorded his 150th win in his 376th game and his 166th win in his 434th. Carvel passed Cahoon with his 167th win in his 322nd game.

Minutemen on the “Top 100 NCAA Players to Watch” list

Three Minutemen have been recognized in The Hockey News “Top 100 NCAA Players to Watch in 2024-25”: Michael Hrabal (29), Aydar Suniev (73), and Kenny Connors (100).

Hrabal is praised for his size and potential, while Suniev is recognized for his intelligence and skill. Connors is expected to have a strong junior season.

Locmelis’ Olympic Qualification Success

Following his 2023-24 season with the Minutemen, Dans Locmelis played for Latvia in the Olympic Games Qualification this summer, contributing a goal and an assist in three games to help his nation secure a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Reliable Returnees

Five players returning to the Minutemen for the 2024-25 season played in all 37 games during the 2023-24 season: Kenny Connors, Ryan Lautenbach, Lucas Mercuri, Jack Musa, and Cole O’Hara.

Record-Breaking Win Over alaska Anchorage

In the first-ever meeting between the two teams, the Minutemen set a program record for the most goals scored against a Division I program in an 11-2 win over Alaska Anchorage on December 8, 2023.

Aydar Suniev led the way with five points, while Jack Musa and Dans Locmelis collected two and three points, respectively.

Jackson Irving made his collegiate debut, stopping all six shots faced in 8:50 of game time.

Suniev’s five points marked the most points by a UMass freshman in a single game in the program’s DI era.

Montour’s Stanley Cup Victory

After posting 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists) during the 2023-24 season, UMass hockey alumnus brandon Montour hoisted his first career Stanley Cup, becoming the fourth Minuteman to achieve this feat and the seventh Stanley Cup winner overall from UMass.

Montour, a second-round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2014, spent the 2014-2015 season with the Minutemen,

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headline Optimization: The headline is good but could be more attention-grabbing.Consider something like: “UMass Minutemen Hockey: Alger Named Captain, NHL Pipeline Fuels High Expectations” or “UMass Hockey names alger captain, Boasts Impressive NHL Roster.”

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Expand on the NHL Pipeline: The article mentions 15 alumni in the NHL and 9 currently drafted players. Expand on this – name some notable alumni currently in the NHL, and briefly mention the teams the drafted players are associated with. This adds depth and excitement. Consider a separate short section dedicated to this notable aspect of the team.

Team Goals and Expectations: What are the team’s goals for the upcoming season? What are the coaches’ expectations? Including this context enhances the article’s completeness.

alger’s Leadership Style: Briefly describe Alger’s leadership qualities or style.What makes him a suitable captain? Does he have any quotes about his leadership or goals for the team?

Lautenbach and Mercuri’s Roles: Expand slightly on the roles Lautenbach and Mercuri will play,given thier experience and skills. What kind of leadership do they bring to the team?

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Example of Enhanced Section (NHL Pipeline):

UMass Hockey’s NHL Pipeline: A Legacy of Success

The UMass Minutemen aren’t just building a strong team for the upcoming season; they’re nurturing the next generation of NHL stars.The program boasts an impressive connection to the professional ranks, with 15 alumni gracing NHL rosters during the 2023-24 season! this includes [Name a few notable alumni and their NHL teams]. Further showcasing the program’s success is its remarkable nine current players who have already been drafted into the NHL, tying them for ninth nationally. These promising prospects include dans Locmelis (Boston Bruins, 2022), Michael Hrabal (Arizona Coyotes, 2023), and Cam O’neill (Ottawa Senators, 2022). This impressive pipeline is a testament to the UMass hockey program’s commitment to player development and its ability to consistently produce top-tier talent.

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