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Dick Baker has his weekly "UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week" up on MassLive today, primarily focusing on the Minutemen's Hockey East Quarterfinals best-of-three, which begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Conte Forum.
Dick Baker has a preview of this weekend's home series against New Hampshire this weekend on MassLive.com today:
Not only are these two home games against New Hampshire huge because of the playoff race, but it's about time the University of Massachusetts beat UNH.
In the last 14 meetings, UNH is 10-1-3.
Last year, the Wildcats won the series 2-0-1, and won the only other game this season, 7-3 Nov. 4 in Durham.
With only four games remaining in the regular season, UMass is tied for the eighth and final playoff spot with Northeastern, and is four points behind 7th-place New Hampshire with a game in hand.
UNH coach Dick Umile is 41-10-7 against UMass. Going back to the start of the series in 1926, UNH is 80-18-8 versus UMass.
The teams play both Friday and Saturday nights at 7 at the Mullins Center.
Dick Baker has his weekly column "UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week" on MassLive.com today. Check it out.
Dick Baker has his weekly "UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week" on MassLive.com today.
Among the mentions is that Toot Cahoon was a three-peat Beanpot winner as a player for Boston University. Cahoon appeared in three Beanpots, and the Terriers won all three. In 1970, they beat BC 5-4 to win the Beanpot final, and took Harvard by identical scores the next two years.
Read the entire UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week
Dick Baker has some great tidbits relating to the Fenway Festivities from this past weekend in his "Baker's Dozen"
UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week
The Mass Attack will be back in action on Friday at home against Boston College at 7 p.m.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has his Baker's Dozen for the week where he looks at the match-ups in the Everblades College Hockey Classic which starts tonight along with other items surrounding the UMass hockey season.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has an update on Justin Braun (San Jose Sharks, NHL), Matt Irwin (Worcester Sharks, AHL) and Casey Wellman (Minnesota Wild, NHL).
Braun played a season-high 21 minutes in a 3-2 win over Edmonton, while Irwin was reassigned to Worcester. After being called up from Houston, Wellman has been sidelined with the an injury for the Wild.
The Minutemen will be putting their seven game home unbeaten streak on the line tonight when the squad plays host to Yale at 7 p.m. With a 4-7-4 overall record this season, each of its four wins have come on home ice.
Both MassLive and the Daily Collegian have coverage looking ahead to tonight's matchup:
MassLive: UMass hockey: A Baker's Dozen of thoughts for the week
MassLive: UMass hockey hosts Yale in last game before Christmas break
MassLive: UMass hockey's mid-week opponent: There's something really special about Yale, and something quite strange too
Collegian: Getting back to a defensive state of mind
Collegian: No place like home for UM
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican previews the pair of weekend home games for the UMass hockey team starting tonight at 6 PM against Holy Cross.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican looks at the attendance at the Mullins Center through three home games. UMass is ahead of last season by nearly 3,000 fans which has been aided by key game dates and big name opponents.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican writes that UMass hockey could use some help from Boston College on Friday night when the Eagles play Northeastern. UMass will host the Huskies on Saturday night at 7 PM.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a feature on 6-foot-7 rookie defenseman Oleg Yevenko. Primarily known for his defensive presence, it was his offense that stole the show last Saturday night as his 3rd period goal stood as the game-winner against No. 1 Boston College.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a recap from last night's 5-3 hockey win over Bentley.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican looks at how Colin Shea's defensive efforts will be key to success for UMass this weekend against Bentley and Providence.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican looks at Friday night's home opener for the UMass hockey team against Bentley and its early season importance.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a profile on UMass freshman Emerson Auvenshine whose size will certainly help the Minutemen at forward.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican has a story from Hockey East Media Day on how the sophomore class will be key in the success of UMass this season.
Dick Baker takes a look at UMass' goalie situation with returning sophomore Jeff Teglia serving as the incumbent starter. However, there will be a competition for the position throughout the preseason according to Baker.
With the official start of hockey preseason practice yesterday, Dick Baker was there to check out the 2011-12 squad as he gets back to regular-season mode with his MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
In his MassLive.com Hockey Blog, Dick Baker looks at the success Quinnipiac has had under coach Rand Pecknold and some of the recent meetings between the Bobcats and Minutemen over the last two years. UMass won 5-2 last year thanks to a pair of Adam Phillips goals.
Things will get going early in Hockey East action as the UMass hockey team opens the season at Northeastern on Oct. 7. Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican looks at the proposed schedule which has five of the first seven conference games coming on the road - an early challenge for the Minutemen.
Dick Baker provides his perspective of the addition of Blaise MacDonald to the UMass hockey coaching staff with this blog entry on MassLive.com:
The addition of MacDonald gives the Minutemen three coaches with collegiate head-coaching experience. Len Quesnelle, the other assistant coach, formerly was the head coach at Princeton.
Ironically, UMass head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon was responsible for bringing MacDonald in as an assistant coach at Boston University during the 1990-91 season when Cahoon was an assistant there.
They were there together one year, collaborating on a tremendous recruiting class that would go on to win a national championship a few years later. Cahoon then took over as the head coach at Princeton while MacDonald stayed on at BU through the 1995-96 campaign before leaving for Niagara.
Ironically, UMass head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon was responsible for bringing MacDonald in as an assistant coach at Boston University during the 1990-91 season when Cahoon was an assistant there.
They were there together one year, collaborating on a tremendous recruiting class that would go on to win a national championship a few years later. Cahoon then took over as the head coach at Princeton while MacDonald stayed on at BU through the 1995-96 campaign before leaving for Niagara.
In Dick Baker's newest blog, he brings back the idea of UMass having a pep band for home hockey games.
"Mark Coogan of the UMass hockey fan blog site "Fear the Triangle" has brought it up again, pushing for UMass to have a band presence at home games. I can't agree more. Having traveled to most of their road games last year, there is a big difference in the atmosphere when the Minutemen play on the road than at home ... This is big-time college hockey, and big-time college hockey teams all have pep bands."
The Binghamton Senators scored two unanswered goals in the third period to defeat the Houston Aeros 3-2 to win the American Hockey League's Calder Cup championship four games to two.
Former UMass hockey standout Casey Wellman did not register a point in this game, but scored six goals and added five assists in 21 post-season games for the Aeros. In the regular season with Houston, Wellman was 14-21-35 in 42 games.
CONTINUE READING DICK BAKER'S STORY IN THE SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN:
Dick Baker has a piece in the Springfield Republican highlighting the UMass Hockey Pond Club Golf Tournament which will be held June 13 at The Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley, Mass.
It's the small things that can make a big difference in a Division I hockey program, so the University of Massachusetts hockey team and its supporters in the Pond Club will be hitting the small ball at the 11th annual UMass Hockey Pond Club Golf Tournament to be held June 13 at the Orchards Golf Course in South Hadley.
While the hockey program is funded by UMass, there are budget limitations. The money raised from the golf outing is key in helping the team purchase state of the art technology for video, improving the locker room space to keep pace with other programs, and providing additional academic support for the players. The event also gives the entire UMass hockey community a chance to get together for a day-full of activities.
In his blog today, MassLive.com's Dick Baker looks at the regular-season finale weekend against Maine at the Mullins Center on Friday and Saturday nights. He also has a nice piece on senior Chase Langeraap who has enjoyed his best (and healthiest) season to date for the Mintuemen.
UMass hockey senior Chase Langeraap closing collegiate career with strong finish
Mullins Center needs to be game-day ready for big-time college hockey
UMass hockey needs to slow down Gustav Nyquist of Maine
UMass hockey senior Chase Langeraap closing collegiate career with strong finish
Mullins Center needs to be game-day ready for big-time college hockey
UMass hockey needs to slow down Gustav Nyquist of Maine
With this weekend's matchup with No. 2 Boston College fast approaching, Dick Baker has another entry in his UMass Hockey Blog, this time focusing on senior captain Paul Dainton, who needs just 19 saves to tie the all-time program record held by Brian Regan.
Check out today's article by clicking here, or read previous entries here.
Check out today's article by clicking here, or read previous entries here.
Dick Baker examines the weekend that was for the UMass Hockey team and looks at the road ahead in his newest blog posts on MassLive.com
- Forget about moving up in the Hockey East standings, it's time for UMass hockey to look over its shoulder
- Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy is classy in post-game remarks after romp over UMass hockey
- So what did happen? Mauling at Merrimack Google maps into a close-up view of real shortcomings of UMass hockey
The Minutemen will head to Chestnut Hill tonight to take on No. 1 Boston College before going over to No. 12 Merrimack on Saturday night. Here are the previews to get your up-to-speed on the weekend.
Daily Collegian: Mass Attack faces two top-ranked teams
Daily Collegian: Mass Attack's difficult season continues on
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass hockey faces tough schedule the rest of the way
Springfield Republican: Boston brothers battle on ice when UMass takes on Boston College
Hockey Journal: Hockey East Journal: Make-or-break time for freshmen
In today's blog on MassLive.com, Dick Baker takes a look at Chase Langeraap, who is in the midst of his best season as a Minuteman, and UMass' all-time and recent records against Boston College and Merrimack.
The snow storm can't keep Dick Baker from the MassLive.com Hockey Blog! Today's entry looks at what UMass has accomplished over the last 15 games and takes a look around the league.
Dick Baker continues his preview of this weekend's Northeastern series with a look at the play of Holyoke's Kevin Czepiel. He also has mentions of Paul Dainton being a candidate for the Hockey Humanitarian Award and of Justin Braun being added to the AHL All-Star game alongside Matt Anderson.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he continues to preview the upcoming series with Northeastern, mentions Darren Rowe's ability to play defense without taking penalties, and looks at the schedule for 2011-12.
In his MassLive.com Hockey Blog today, Dick Baker mentions Paul Dainton earning Hockey East Defender of the Week honors and has a very nice, informative piece on Paul's parents and one of his brothers making the long trek from Nunavut to Vermont this past weekend to see his shutout performance. Dick also has a post about how a sweep over Vermont this weekend could propel the Minutemen into sixth-place in the league standings.
The Daily Collegian, Daily Hampshire Gazette, and MassLive.com all have more coverage of hockey's split weekend at Vermont.
Daily Collegian: Minutemen pour goals on Catamounts
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass hockey routs Vermont
Dick Baker has two updates today in his MassLive.com Hockey Blog as he continues his weekly look into the pair of games at Vermont on Friday & Saturday. Dick's first blog mentions Vermont's leading goal scorer Wahsontiio Stacey quitting the team yesterday. In his second blog he takes a historical perspective looking at two famous NHLers who played for Vermont against the Minutemen in the mid-90's - Tim Thomas and Martin St. Louis.
The snowy weather hasn't deterred Dick Baker as he has several posts on his MassLive.com Hockey Blog over the last few days.
Three cheers for Joe Bertagna: Hockey East doesn't water down playoffs
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun assigned to Worcester
Around Hockey East: Merrimack ties school record, beats BU 3-2
Connor Brickley is only the second Vermont player chosen in second round of NHL draft
Three cheers for Joe Bertagna: Hockey East doesn't water down playoffs
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun assigned to Worcester
Around Hockey East: Merrimack ties school record, beats BU 3-2
Connor Brickley is only the second Vermont player chosen in second round of NHL draft
In Dick Baker's latest MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he looks at the momentum built by UMass after a weekend and series sweep of UMass Lowell which pushed the Minutemen up the Hockey East standings into 7th place. He also examines the role Michael Lecomte has played in the recent success of the penalty kill unit which has blanked opponents on the last 14 straight extra-man advantages.
Dick Baker has a couple of updates on his MassLive.com Hockey Blog including a note on Justin Braun being recalled by the NHL San Jose Sharks, freshman Mike Pereira being ranked n the NHL Central Scouting List and Merrimack jumping Boston University in this week's polls.
Dick Baker looks at this weekend's Northeastern and New Hampshire games in his MassLive.com hockey blog. One thing he notes is the physical size of Northeastern which the speedy Minutemen will have to contend with. He also mentions some discounted ticket prices and promotions that are going on for both games.
Dick Baker has four new blog entries in his MassLive.com Hockey Blog as the Minutemen prepare for a home weekend against Northeastern (Friday, 7 PM) and New Hampshire (Saturday, 7 PM).
Dick Baker has several new entries in his MassLive.com Hockey Blog as the Minutemen prepare to head to Wisconsin for a pair of games on Thursday and Friday (8 PM EST / FSN TV). UMass will have been off for 17 days prior to Thursday night's tilt against the 15th-ranked Badgers.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, the looks at UMass' RPI and has a mention of Greg Maulding scoring Colorado's first goal in a 4-3 win over Chicago.
In Dick Baker's latest MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he looks at Mike Pereira's numbers as he leads UMass in scoring and plus-minus. He also mentions the ticket office's holiday ticket specials and mentions a feature article from the Catholic Mirror on head coach Don "Toot" Cahoon.
A couple of entries in Dick Baker's blog as he mentions Jonathan Quick's 51 save shutout performance for the Kings last night and takes a look at the hockey season through Christmas break.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he recaps the Maine loss including the play of Kevin Czepiel. He also has updates on Mike Kostka with the Rochester Americans and Matt Irwin with the Worcester Sharks.
So much for the importance of UMass hockey scoring the first goal
So much for the importance of UMass hockey scoring the first goal
Kevin Czepiel of Holyoke shines in center of faceoff circle for UMass hockey against Maine
UMass hockey happenings: Post-game notes from Maine game
Former UMass hockey defenseman Matt Irwin is third star in Worcester win
Former UMass hockey defenseman Mike Kostka has big night for Rochester in AHL
The Mass Attack is up in Maine for a Sunday Afternoon matchup with the No. 8 Black Bears at 4 PM today. Here are some previews of the game from various media outlets:
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass Hockey Plays At Maine
Masslive.com: UMass plans to show some Power against Black Bears
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass Hockey Plays At Maine
Masslive.com: UMass plans to show some Power against Black Bears
Dick Baker continues his weekend preview series of the Maine game, takes a look around the league, and brings us updates on Casey Wellman and Justin Braun in today's MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
Dick Baker continues to preview Sunday's big hockey game at Maine (4 PM) and looks at the successful season UMass alum Matt Anderson is having with the Albany Devils.
On his MassLive.com blog last night, Dick Baker wrote about how he feels a second-half slide for the UMass hockey team is unlikely this year given the team's progression and the way the schedule is set up for January.
In addition to the schedule being reasonable, the young UMass team is likely to be getting better as it goes along, as it has already. So maybe this year will be a reverse, a slow start, and a strong ending.
In today's MassLive.com Hockey blog, Dick Baker looks at UMass' recent win streak and where it positions the Minutemen heading into the Maine game. Speaking of Maine, Dick also looks at the recent series history between the two clubs. Finally, Dick writes about the resurgence of the UMass forwards in the scoring column after the blueliners had been scoring most of the points recently.
Following yesterday's 5-2 win over UMass Lowell, Dick Baker has several updates to his MassLive.com Hockey Blog:
New Hampshire shutout UMass Lowell 3-0 last night at Tsongas Arena extending the River Hawks losing streak to six games. Dick Baker also offers some analysis of the recent struggles UMass Lowell has suffered on his MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
HockeyEastOnline.com: UMASS LOWELL SHUT OUT BY NEW HAMPSHIRE, 3-0
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com, he writes about Michael Pereira being named the Hockey East Rookie of the Month after scoring four goals and adding two assists in four games during November.
Dick Baker looks at the challenges of playing an afternoon game as the UMass hockey team hosts UMass Lowell on Saturday at 1:30 PM. Also, he has a feature on Michael Marcou doing away with superstition, takes a look around Hockey East, and asks the question of why more people don't know Dale Rolfe. Send a Twitter to @UMassAthletics if you know the answer!
UMass hockey defenseman Michael Marcou ditches superstition with maturity
UMass hockey defenseman Michael Marcou ditches superstition with maturity
UMass hockey players will have different schedule with afternoon game
Around Hockey East: UMass gets extra rest for Lowell
What is the matter with these kids these days: Shouldn't a freshman have heard of Dale Rolfe?
Today Dick Baker offers some analysis of the UMass hockey team's win over Quinnipiac and takes a look at rookie blueliner Conor Allen, the return of junior winger Shawn Saunders, and gives a mention to the weekly awards that UMass picked up after a 2-0 week.
Dick Baker had a busy weekend covering hockey on his blog even though the Minutemen essentially had a "bye" week heading into Tuesday's Pre-Thanksgiving Tilt with Vermont.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog, he takes a look at the next two home games for UMass, he writes about the atmosphere of New Hampshire, and has some quotes from the Hockey East Media Teleconference that was held yesterday morning.
Dick Baker takes an extended look at this past weekend's New Hampshire series in his newest blog postings on his MassLive.com Hockey Blog.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, Dick updates fans on Mike Kostka and Casey Wellman's pro careers. He also brings a bit of news from New Hampshire as senior forward Mike Sislo said on the Hockey East online chat session yesterday that the Wildcats won't have a let down this weekend against UMass.
Dick Baker continues his weekly preview of this weekend's games at New Hampshire in today's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog. In his first post he looks at how UMass has had some troubles of late playing in the Whittemore Center. In his second post, he writes about the changes of the ice surface at the Whit where UNH rounded out the corners a bit cutting down space behind the goal. Finally, he looks at former defenseman Marvin Degon's career over in Germany.
UMass hockey by the numbers: Whittemore Center is not a fun place
New Hampshire hockey has been cutting corners at the Whittemore Center
Former UMass hockey defenseman Marvin Degon doing well in Germany
UMass hockey by the numbers: Whittemore Center is not a fun place
New Hampshire hockey has been cutting corners at the Whittemore Center
Former UMass hockey defenseman Marvin Degon doing well in Germany
Several new installments in Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog From the weekend along with recaps of the Army & Sweden games. Dick also takes a look around Hockey East and begins to preview this weekend's series at New Hampshire.
Dick Baker takes an in-depth look at Army and the UMass penalty kill in today's blog. He also looks around the league.
After being away last weekend, Dick Baker is back to work on his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog. Great to have you back Dick!
In today's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, Dick Baker looks at face-offs and Hockey East. The Minutemen will face Providence this Friday and Saturday in a home-and-home series that starts at the Mullins Center.
Dick Baker had several updates over the weekend on his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog. Be sure to check it out each day as he offers a ton of information on the UMass Hockey program!
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, he has an update on John Wessbecker and keys to tonight's game against #8 Boston University.
Former Minuteman Wessbecker Playing In Arizona
Keys To The Game Vs. Boston University
Springfield Republican sports writer Dick Baker, who many of you may know for his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, was honored last weekend by the Northeast-10 Conference with the Dick Lipe Media Award. He was presented the award at halftime of Saturday's American International/New Haven football game.
The award, selected by a vote of the sports information directors, has been presented since 2002 "in honor of continued excellence in promoting the athletic and academic endeavors of the NE-10 student athletes and their institutions."
Dick is the second media member who covers UMass hockey to receive an award this year. At Hockey East Media Day in September, UMass Sports Network color analyst Brock Hines was presented the Joe Concannon Media Award.
Here are the recaps and analysis from Saturday night's 2-2 tie at No. 10 Boston University for the UMass hockey team. The two team's will meet again this Friday night (7 PM) in the home opener for the Mass Attack at the Mullins Center. The game will be televised on NESN.
Daily Collegian Recap
ESPNBoston.com Recap
USCHO.com Recap
Daily Hampshire Gazette Recap
Daily Free Press Recap
Daily Free Press: Call Doesn't Go Terriers Way
MassLive.com: BU Coach Jack Parker Angry With Team For Tie Against UMass
MassLive.com: Concannon Is Key Part Of UMass Hockey
MassLive.com: Pereira v. Pereira Pt. 1 Ends Happily For Family
MassLive.com: Dick Baker's Analysis Of Tie At BU
MassLive.com: Teglia Stymies BU In 2-2 Tie
Dick Baker had two additions to his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog last night. The first features freshman goalie Jeff Teglia in a comparison with BU netminder Kieran Millan who was in a similar position during his freshman year. The second focuses on UMass' early season success recently against Boston University and what the Minutemen must do to emulate that.
Teglia Can Find Confidence At Other End Of The Rink
UMass Hopes To Continue Early Season Success Against Terriers
Dick Baker has several updates on his MassLive.com blog from yesterday and Wednesday on the UMass hockey team.
UMass Picks Up Television Support
Paul Dainton Listed As Lowe's Senior CLASS Candidate
Former Goalie Jonathan Quick Still Looks That Way
For Anthony Raiola, A Dream Come True
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog, he has several posts on recent UMass skaters with updates on their pro careers. He also previews what will be a hot topic this weekend as the Pereira brothers face-off in Saturday's game at Boston University.
Wellman Surprisingly Sent Down By Wild
Just Like At UMass, Marcou Comes Up Big For AHL Sharks
Former MVP Kostka Still Good On The Power Play
Brotherly Unlove Takes Place Saturday Night At BU
Here are some updates from Dick Baker's MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog from Saturday night's game at Minnesota:
UMass Goes With 7 Defensemen For 2nd Game
Dainton Injured In First Period
Comeback Falls Short In Loss To Minnesota
Reactions To Saturday's Minnesota Game
As the Mass Attack approaches its opening weekend in Minnesota on Friday, Dick Baker has turned up the heat in the latest installments of his MassLive.com Hockey Blog:
Former UMass goaltender Jon Quick solid in preseason
UMass hockey and Minnesota playing for only second time
Can UMass finish ahead of Northeastern? It may depend on the Huskies new big bad defense
Redshirt freshman Anthony Raiola is best advance scout for UMass hockey against Minnesota
UMass hockey loses freshman Troy Power for Minnesota series
First UMass hockey opponent breezes in exhibition
Former UMass hockey scoring star Casey Wellman picks up assist in Minnesota Wild exhibition win
UMass not only team to lose to New Brunswick
Trenton of ECHL is another spot for UMass hockey graduates
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun scores for Worcester
Former UMass goaltender Jon Quick solid in preseason
UMass hockey and Minnesota playing for only second time
Can UMass finish ahead of Northeastern? It may depend on the Huskies new big bad defense
Redshirt freshman Anthony Raiola is best advance scout for UMass hockey against Minnesota
UMass hockey loses freshman Troy Power for Minnesota series
First UMass hockey opponent breezes in exhibition
Former UMass hockey scoring star Casey Wellman picks up assist in Minnesota Wild exhibition win
UMass not only team to lose to New Brunswick
Trenton of ECHL is another spot for UMass hockey graduates
Former UMass hockey defenseman Justin Braun scores for Worcester
Here are Dick Baker's latest entries in his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog following the exhibition game against New Brunswick.
Dick Baker has some great updates to his MassLive.com UMass Hockey Blog that you'll want to read before heading over to the exhibition game against New Brunswick this afternoon at 3 PM in the Mullins Center Practice Rink.
He also has an update on Matt Irwin and Cory Quirk who apparently threw fists in a game against Springfield last night.
Dick also has a piece examining what UMass must do defensively to clear the puck consistently from the defensive end to help transition the offense.
With the loss of so many players following last season, the growth of the program has helped recruiting top level players. The reputation of the program and the University has helped attract blue-chip level recruits.
Finally, Dick looks at the youth of Boston University which is fairly similar to the situation at UMass. The Terriers have 17 freshmen and sophomores and just one senior.
In Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog today, he looks at how a 1/2 goal difference from last year's averages can make a huge difference in UMass' success.
He also looks at the ticketing mini-plans that were announced yesterday with his suggestions as to what games he would pick.
Finally, Dick looks at UMass' end of the calendar year date for a pair of games at Wisconsin.
Dick will be at Hockey East Media Day today along with several other members of the local media. Be sure to check back here for all the coverage from his Hockey Blog and all the other news that comes from the official start of the Hockey Season.
Today's installment of Dick Baker's MassLive.com Hockey Blog takes a look at Chase Langeraap and Rocco Carzo's summer activities as well as an update on Casey Wellman as NHL Preseason Camp continues. Over the summer break, Langeraap worked for the UMass Athletic Facilities & Operations crew. One of the projects he worked on was the rebuilding of the outfield wall at the softball complex. Carzo spent part of his off-season training with the Chicago Blackhawks at their Prospect Camp.
- Langeraap Uses Farm Experience In Off-Season
- Rocco Carzo Goes Camping
- Wellman Escapes Latest Round Of Wild Cuts
Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has a full story on Wellman and several others who survived yesterday's cuts. The Wild roster currently sits at 25 players - two above the maximum that must be finalized with the NHL by Oct. 6.
Dick Baker has several new entries in his UMass Hockey Blog on MassLive.com. One interesting thing to point out is that Justin Braun, James Marcou and Cory Quirk were all assigned to the Worcester Sharks over the weekend. The trio will join Matt Irwin with the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.
- Braun Plays In First NHL Game For San Jose
- Locals Syner, Czepiel Look Good In First Week Of Practice
- Minutemen Hold First Pre-Season Scrimmage
- Wellman Scores Power Play Goal For Minnesota
- Keane Ready To Do His Part
- Three Former Minutemen Assigned To Worcester
- What's New At BU - A Look At The Hockey East Opener
- Hockey East Picks Come Wednesday
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican added three new entries into his UMass Hockey Blog as the Mass Attack inches closer to its exhibition game with New Brunswick on October 2. The first post discusses the Minutemen's pre-season scrimmage, which was held Thursday afternoon in anticipation of the conditioning sessions slated for early next week.
Baker also wrote of how Western Massachusetts products T.J. Syner and Kevin Czepiel and how they will help the team in every facet of the game, while Casey Wellman survived the week round of roster cuts from the Minnesota Wild as they trimmed their roster down to 43.
Baker also wrote of how Western Massachusetts products T.J. Syner and Kevin Czepiel and how they will help the team in every facet of the game, while Casey Wellman survived the week round of roster cuts from the Minnesota Wild as they trimmed their roster down to 43.
Dick Baker of the Springfield Republican touched on four different topics tonight in his UMass Hockey Blog which you can find at MassLive.com. In his first piece, he looks at the UMass power play and how that will be changed this year with the loss of so many key personnel from last year. His second blog posting deals with Matt Irwin being assigned by San Jose to AHL-affiliate Worcester. In San Jose, Irwin is expected to be among a quartet of Minutemen who include Cory Quirk, Justin Braun, and James Marcou. In his third entry, Dick spoke with Merrimack head coach and former UMass assistant Mark Dennehy on Don "Toot" Cahoon's contract extension and why that is good for the program along with speaking with Dennehy on how he has made improvements to the Merrimack hockey program including several new facility upgrades. Finally, Dick writes about how UMass is looking to keep improving attendance at home games after setting a school-record with an average of 5,313 in 15 games last season.
Dick Baker has four nice posts in his hockey blog on MassLive.com as the Minutemen's preseason camp continues to progress. Hockey East will host Media Day next Wednesday at the TD Bank Garden to officially kick-off the season. A reminder that next Saturday at 3 PM fans can get a glimpse of the team as the Minutemen host New Brunswick at the practice rink in an exhibition game at 3 PM. Following the game will be the ever-popular Skate With The Minutemen where fans can get to know the team and the coaches.
- Conor Sheary Is A Speedy Stickhandler
- Minutemen Feature Two New Recruits From Omaha
- Hobbs Enters Camp In Top Shape
- Army Up First For Non-Conference Home Schedule
Don't forget to check out MassLive.com each day for Dick's blog on the UMass hockey team. You can also find the links to each of his stories here on JTAM.