EXCITED ABOUT NEWCOMERS
One is a Massachusetts native whose father played at Umass Lowell.
One hails from a state where no UML player has come from.
One has a hyphenated 17-letter last name.
One is a powerful 214-pound skater with pro aspirations.
One could be the goaltender of the future.
One grew up in a town where many famous musicians have lived.
The incoming Umass Lowell freshman class is smaller – and less heralded – than last year’s nine-skater class. But head coach Norm Bazin is excited to work with the six-member class, even with so much uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are excited about the 2020 recruiting class. We expect the group to have a blend of guys who can contribute immediately and others who will develop later in their college careers. Both assistant coaches have done a tremendous job on the road this past year. This group fills some immediate needs but also has the upside to continue to improve within our program. These kids come from respected leagues and we look forward to working with this group,” Bazin said.
Bazin is also excited to welcome forward Josh Latta to the program. Latta, a native of West Vancouver, B.C., will be a sophomore and may make an immediate impact.
Latta led Alabama Huntsville in scoring as a freshman, netting seven goals and 11 assists in 32 games, before deciding to transfer. He will be eligible to play this season.
Bazin said there’s a chance one additional player may join the incoming group. The Sun talked to the coaches of the incoming freshmen for insight into the new River Hawks.
Matt Allen
Allen is a small (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) but crafty forward who produced a terrific season for Amarillo of the North American Hockey League.
He is believed to be the first Umass Lowell player from Oklahoma, as he hails from the small town of Minco (population 1,640 in 2018). In 54 games with Amarillo, Allen netted 25 goals and 57 points. He scored two goals five times and collected two four-point games.
He tied for fifth in the NAHL in goals and was the league’s eighth-leading scorer. He turned plenty of heads when he scored five goals over two games at the NAHL Top Prospects showcase. Allen has certainly paid his dues. Prior to playing in Texas, he skated for teams in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa and Kansas.