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University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Hockey's Locmelis Signs Entry-Level Contract With Bruins
April 01, 2025 | Hockey
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts hockey sophomore forward Dans Locmelis has signed a three-year entry-level NHL contract with the Boston Bruins, the organization announced on Tuesday. The Jelgava, Latvia native will report to the Providence Bruins on an ATO for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
"UMass hockey continues to help develop and prepare players for the NHL with the signing of Dans Locmelis to the Boston Bruins," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "During his two short years at UMass, Dans' game improved dramatically, in most part, due to his incredible commitment and discipline to his training. Dans has really rounded out his game and is as complete a player as I've had during my time at UMass. Dans will be missed, but we are happy that we were able to help him reach his latest goal of signing an NHL contract. He has all the pieces necessary to be an NHL player and I have no doubt that his time at UMass has served him well. I have great respect for Dans and how he carried himself during his time at UMass. A young kid from Latvia with English as his second language, he grew in every possible way, and that is always rewarding for a coach to witness. We hope to see him playing for the Bruins in the not too distant future."
Locmelis, who forgoes his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility, becomes the 17th player in head coach Greg Carvel's UMass tenure to sign an NHL contract. He was originally selected by Boston in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Locmelis played in 50 games over two seasons with the Minutemen, totaling 47 points on 15 goals and 32 assists with four power-play goals, two game winners and a +22 rating. He enjoyed a breakout season with UMass as a sophomore this past season, logging 33 points on eight goals and 25 assists, all career bests, and was +15. Locmelis earned a spot on the All-Region Team at the NCAA Fargo Regional after posting a goal and two assists in the Minutemen's pair of games.
"UMass hockey continues to help develop and prepare players for the NHL with the signing of Dans Locmelis to the Boston Bruins," said UMass head coach Greg Carvel. "During his two short years at UMass, Dans' game improved dramatically, in most part, due to his incredible commitment and discipline to his training. Dans has really rounded out his game and is as complete a player as I've had during my time at UMass. Dans will be missed, but we are happy that we were able to help him reach his latest goal of signing an NHL contract. He has all the pieces necessary to be an NHL player and I have no doubt that his time at UMass has served him well. I have great respect for Dans and how he carried himself during his time at UMass. A young kid from Latvia with English as his second language, he grew in every possible way, and that is always rewarding for a coach to witness. We hope to see him playing for the Bruins in the not too distant future."
Locmelis, who forgoes his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility, becomes the 17th player in head coach Greg Carvel's UMass tenure to sign an NHL contract. He was originally selected by Boston in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Locmelis played in 50 games over two seasons with the Minutemen, totaling 47 points on 15 goals and 32 assists with four power-play goals, two game winners and a +22 rating. He enjoyed a breakout season with UMass as a sophomore this past season, logging 33 points on eight goals and 25 assists, all career bests, and was +15. Locmelis earned a spot on the All-Region Team at the NCAA Fargo Regional after posting a goal and two assists in the Minutemen's pair of games.
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