UMass Lowell 2022-2023: Valley Steamroller Edition

[Patman]

I don’t feel comfortable saying who it was, as his dad was so open to speaking about it. Literally spoke to me for a solid 15 min before puck drop. But, use your imagination and I am sure you will get it (smile)

he mentioned that Bazin was the toughest coach he had ever had

sounds like if he was at the game he was still supportive despite things? I don't wish to probe this deeper. This is a discussion better had at the bar or the arena. Please don't reveal confidences.

----

I think Bazin will have to change things soon. I'm going to imagine Marty Meehan's not going to love what's going on and that will filter through the chain at some level. We've seen what happens within the system when all the talent plays the part but if you can't get talent that will play the part its just going to get a slow roll down hill, especially if that becomes your reputation. every kid is going to think they're just as good as the offensive minded guy not thriving so it isn't just the higher level guys you miss out on.

I don't want to upset the applecart, I'm just not happy we're not moving upwards after the success of the 2012-2017 phase. I don't want to lose this guy but the status quo isn't good.

[hawkeytown]

sounds like if he was at the game he was still supportive despite things?

He said there was no negative feelings to Lowell or Bazin. He loved his first year and it went down from there. The parents urged him to stay committed to the program, but their son wanted to transfer. The parent did enjoy his time at the games and made other comments that would make it way too obvious of whom the player is…

Actually, one thing I forgot about the conversation that really stood out. The parent mentioned that when his son got to campus, he did not know one kid on the team. He knew kids on every team he had played on, even kids rostered on other college hockey programs. Obviously he grew friendships quickly on the team and still stays in contact with some.

I felt that comment about not knowing others on the team before the season was a bit interesting.

[Patman]

He said there was no negative feelings to Lowell or Bazin. He loved his first year and it went down from there. The parents urged him to stay committed to the program, but their son wanted to transfer. The parent did enjoy his time at the games and made other comments that would make it way too obvious of whom the player is…

Actually, one thing I forgot about the conversation that really stood out. The parent mentioned that when his son got to campus, he did not know one kid on the team. He knew kids on every team he had played on, even kids rostered on other college hockey programs. Obviously he grew friendships quickly on the team and still stays in contact with some.

I felt that comment about not knowing others on the team before the season was a bit interesting.

there may be various contact rules until you step foot on campus.

[hawkeytown]

there may be various contact rules until you step foot on campus.

My point is, regardless contact rules, he didn’t know or had heard of one player on the team. His dad was pretty clear that, no matter the team he played on, throughout his career, he would know someone on the team. When the player set foot on campus, he had not heard of one kid. The dad found that to be shocking as his son had former teammates all over college hockey programs.

anyway, I found his shock to be interesting.

[boblav1]

UMass Lowell hockey notebook: Isac Jonsson providing offense from defense (lowellsun.com)

This Week in Hockey East: UMass Lowell in 2023 groove after 'low point' to end 2022 calendar year - College Hockey | USCHO.com

UMass hockey ‘not that far off’ ahead of matchup with UMass Lowell at Tsongas Center (gazettenet.com)

[UMLFan]

Does this bad streak against Amherst finally end tomorrow?

[UMLFan]

My point is, regardless contact rules, he didn’t know or had heard of one player on the team. His dad was pretty clear that, no matter the team he played on, throughout his career, he would know someone on the team. When the player set foot on campus, he had not heard of one kid. The dad found that to be shocking as his son had former teammates all over college hockey programs.

anyway, I found his shock to be interesting.

It is interesting. I'm not sure how that's ever possible considering whatever league he played in, generally we have multiple players from that league coming in (unless he came from a smaller league like the CCHL or MJHL).

[ScottK]

It's gone unnoticed, but last Saturday's win against UNH was Norm's 250th behind the Lowell bench.

[boblav1]

It sounds like it will be a full house tonight. Hopefully the Hawks will be ready to go. The game is also on NESN Plus.

[ScottK]

It sounds like it will be a full house tonight. Hopefully the Hawks will be ready to go. The game is also on NESN Plus.

There have been 42 sellouts since Tsongas opened 25 years ago, 38 of them in the last 11+ years under Norm. Lowell 24-11-7 in those games, and unbeaten in the last 11 (9-0-2). Lowell is 4-0-1 against UMass when Tsongas is sold out.

[Patman]

arena looked pretty good. Some goalscoring is still needed but the defense held tight. Missed parts here and there as i was between things. Some questionable things like passing out of a break but so it goes

[boblav1]

A big win in front of a big crowd. Wow, Lowell won the face-off battle 43-19.

(32) Ice Hockey | UMass Lowell vs UMass Highlights (01/27/23) - YouTube

Head Coach Norm Bazin Postgame vs UMass Amherst (01/27/2023) - YouTube

[umlhockey22490]

Bentley, mcdonald, and grigals were outstanding last night. And having Nik A.K. back has given a spark to the back of the lineup.

[Patman]

Basketball falls a little more back to earth up at unh. Leads were had but couldn't keep in front.
Hopes are certainly still alive but no longer look like they're in the driver's seat after their OOC run

[hawkeytown]

It is interesting. I'm not sure how that's ever possible considering whatever league he played in, generally we have multiple players from that league coming in (unless he came from a smaller league like the CCHL or MJHL).

So, I was curious and checked were he played…USHL and NAHL. Hmmm, now I wonder if that was hyperbole from the dad?