59 Teams in 59 Days UMASS-Lowell

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues with a trip to the original industrial city Lowell, Massachusetts. Today the UMASS-Lowell Riverhawks will be featured.

Last year head coach Blaise MacDonald and the Riverhawks looked like a team on the rise after a solid 2004-2005 season. However with Ben Walter leaving early and 2004-2005 Hockey East Rookie of the year goaltender Peter Vetri not playing up to his potential, the Riverhawks stumbled going 14-20-2 in 2005-2006, and finished in seventh place in Hockey East.

This years version does not seem to be promising. With Vetri leaving school, there is a big question mark in goal. Four of the Riverhawks' leading scorers are gone, and the defense which gave up 132 goals in 36 games does not look like it will improve.

So the first question for the Riverhawks is who will start in net? Sophomore Vinny Monaco only played in three games last year is the favorite to replace Vetri.

The next question is who will be the main offensive threat for Lowell? Seniors Jason Tejchma and Jeremy Hall are the teams leading returning scorers so look for them to lead the offense for the Riverhawks.

And the final question is will Blaise MacDonald be on the hot seat? I would say right now yes. It was rumored that he was interested in the Niagara Athletic Director position. However, if MacDonald exceeds expectations by some people this year (which is basically to stay out of the bottom of Hockey East) than he might be kept for another season. Otherwise come April look for UMASS-Lowell to look for another coach.

Overall Lowell is going to be a little inexperienced. Expect Lowell to be fighting for a Hockey East playoff spot this season with Merrimack and Northeastern.

The predicted ceiling for UMASS-Lowell is eighth in Hockey East, while the gutter is 10th.

Tommorrow the Mercyhurst Lakers will be featured as the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues on day number 28 as we travel to Erie, Pennsylvania.