University of Massachusets Athletics
University Of Massachusetts Hockey Adds Sanda To 2023-24 Roster
September 07, 2023 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey has added 6-0, 185-pound left-shot forward Christian Sanda as a graduate transfer for the 2023-24 season, UMass head coach Greg Carvel announced on Thursday. Sanda, a native of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, joins graduate transfer forwards Liam Gorman, Lucas Vanroboys and defenseman Samuli Niinisaari and freshmen forwards Bo Cosman, Dans Locmelis, Jack Musa, Cam O'Neill, Aydar Suniev and Nick VanTassell, defenseman Sebastian Törnqvist and goaltenders Michael Hrabal and Jackson Irving as the 13th newcomer for the upcoming campaign.
"Christian Sanda is a late addition to our roster who will add to the depth and maturity of our team," said Carvel. "Christian comes to us out of the transfer portal as a graduate transfer from Union where he was viewed as a great teammate who had to battle through a couple injuries that required him to miss long stretches on the ice. He is fully healthy now and is excited about his opportunity here at UMass. He is a strong student, a competitor on the ice and he will be a welcome addition to our roster."
Sanda appeared in 68 games over four seasons at Union, finishing his career with the Dutchmen with 14 points on seven goals and seven assists. The two-time ECAC All-Academic Team (2019-20, 2022-23) honoree had six points (3g, 3a) in 24 games as a junior and a career high eight points (4g, 4a) in 32 games as a rookie in 2019-20.
Prior to attending Union, Sanda played two seasons with the Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), appearing in 113 regular season contest and posting 27 goals and 38 assist for 65 points to go along with five points (2g, 3a) over nine career postseason games. He also was a member of the Topeka Roadrunners and Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL during the 2016-17 season before joining the Express.
"Christian Sanda is a late addition to our roster who will add to the depth and maturity of our team," said Carvel. "Christian comes to us out of the transfer portal as a graduate transfer from Union where he was viewed as a great teammate who had to battle through a couple injuries that required him to miss long stretches on the ice. He is fully healthy now and is excited about his opportunity here at UMass. He is a strong student, a competitor on the ice and he will be a welcome addition to our roster."
Sanda appeared in 68 games over four seasons at Union, finishing his career with the Dutchmen with 14 points on seven goals and seven assists. The two-time ECAC All-Academic Team (2019-20, 2022-23) honoree had six points (3g, 3a) in 24 games as a junior and a career high eight points (4g, 4a) in 32 games as a rookie in 2019-20.
Prior to attending Union, Sanda played two seasons with the Coquitlam Express in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), appearing in 113 regular season contest and posting 27 goals and 38 assist for 65 points to go along with five points (2g, 3a) over nine career postseason games. He also was a member of the Topeka Roadrunners and Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL during the 2016-17 season before joining the Express.
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