Inside The Glass With Troy Power

Jan. 28, 2015

First off, Id like to say Happy New Year to everyone! Since my last entry on December 11, a lot has happened. Fortunately for myself, I was able to enjoy our holiday break back home with family in Camarillo, California. My days were often spent outside trying to enjoy the weather as much as I could before returning to the chilly Northeast. Although the days went by quick, I was eager to return to my other family and begin the second half push and my final semester at UMass. Since returning from our holiday break it seems as though things are really starting to come together. Being a young team in this league is tough and with time comes maturity. I think our team did a great job of using time at home with our families to relax and refocus for a big second half. By doing that I really feel that we have came back a different team that is full of energy and more mature than the team we were in the first half of the season.

Since break we have posted 4-4-1 record. Although that stat might not jump out of the page it is an improvement from the first half of the year especially in the sense of how we have played every game. Coming back for the second half we knew that we needed a push and the way we have practiced day in and day out we have put ourselves in a position to have success on the weekend.

This past weekend we faced off against the Merrimack Warriors who were ranked #14/15 in the nation. We knew it would be a good test to face off against a ranked opponent in a home and home weekend. Friday night we played at their arena, which in my opinion is one of the toughest places to play in Hockey East. It is by far the smallest arena in our league and gives them a bit of an advantage being more comfortable on the small sheet.

To prepare for this we were fortunate enough to practice Thursday at a near by rink at Amherst college that has a similar shape and feel to Merrimack. After practice we bussed up to North Andover and enjoyed a nice meal before heading to the hotel for some rest. After a quick morning skate and a nap it was game time. We started off the game strong and ended the first period up 1-0 on a goal from Brennan Baxendall, the first of his career. In the second they came out strong and regained the lead 3-1 heading into the third. In the third period our special teams took over and capitalized on two power play goals as well as a short handed goal from our newly acquired freshman Brandon Montour. The game ended in a 4-4 tie. Although we didn't get the win, we were still happy about the way we played and to pick up an important point on the road.

The next morning we woke up and met at the rink for a quick stretch and pregame skate. While all the guys were finishing up their respective game day routines, we were informed that our game would not be played that night and would be moved to a 4 p.m. start on Sunday afternoon due to the winter storm rolling in that day. After hearing the news guys prepared accordingly and returned home to relax for the remainder of the day. Due to the early start, we decided to do a dynamic warm-up Sunday morning instead of skating. After our team stretch, we headed over to the dining hall for our pregame meal and to our dorms or apartments to nap after that.

Heading into the game we knew we needed Hockey East points. Although we were happy with our performance on Friday, we weren't satisfied. After a scoreless first period we were able to get on the board towards the end of the second and head into the locker room with a 1-0 advantage. In the first minute of the third, Dennis Kravchenko added his second goal of the game to extend our lead to 2-0. Although Merrimack threw everything they could at Steve Mastalerz, we ended up winning the game 4-1 by adding two empty net goals late in the period. There were many highlights of the night that included Steve's stellar play for his first win of the season, key penalty kills, a power play goal and great hockey from all four lines and six defensemen. It was a big step forward for us as a hockey team and exciting weekend to be a Minuteman.

It was also nice to have some alumni in attendance for the game on Sunday. Eddie Olczyk, Anthony Raiola, and Joel Hanley all supported our team and gave us a bit of luck. Not only were they a big part of our program but some of my best friends here at UMass so it was great to see them and laugh about old times we shared together at school.

Moving forward we are preparing to play Boston University on Friday night. They spoiled our home opener earlier this year so we want nothing more than to take it to them in their own rink on Friday night. Thanks for your support and Go UMass!

PREVIOUS BLOG ENTRIES
Blog #12 - 12/11/14
Blog #11 - 12/2/14
Blog #10 - 11/19/14
Blog #9 - 11/11/14
Blog #8 - 11/5/14
Blog #7 - 10/29/14
Blog #6 - 10/21/14
Blog #5 - 10/16/14
Blog #4 - 10/07/14
Blog #3 - 9/30/14
Blog #2 - 9/23/14
Blog #1 - 9/16/14

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