UMass Lowell 2022-2023: Valley Steamroller Edition

[boblav1]

Jon McDonald signs with Detroit.
Lowell Sun article.

Berglund will obviously not return for a fifth season. Bazin confirmed that fellow seniors Marek Korencik, Blake Wells and Zach Kaiser will also not return to the team. He wasn’t sure about three other seniors, Brian Chambers, Jake Stella and Ryan Brushett, who’s about to undergo surgery. All three are eligible to return.

UML’s 2023-24 roster will sport a very different look, much like every other team in the country. Bazin said his staff has been “all hands on deck” in sifting through the portal.
Bazin estimated he watched 12 hours of film on potential transfers Tuesday.

[UMLFan]

I'm hearing at least that Stella would like to come back, but we shall see.

[Middle Street]

No mention of Grigals in that article. Does that imply he’s returning?

[boblav1]

No mention of Grigals in that article. Does that imply he’s returning?

Good question. He was at Alaska Fairbanks for 4 years but didn't play in 2020-21. He may have another year of eligibility? He's currently 24 years old, you would think he would have some interest from some NHL teams.

Gustavs Davis Grigals - Elite Prospects

[UMLFan]

I've heard rumors of the non-conference schedule for next year. To say the least, it's underwhelming.

[boblav1]

I've heard rumors of the non-conference schedule for next year. To say the least, it's underwhelming.

They better win those games. If they go to Alaska Anchorage, I hope Norm takes advantage of the exemption rule and schedules two more (home) games.

[Patman]

I've heard rumors of the non-conference schedule for next year. To say the least, it's underwhelming.

I mean what i saw before posted here was underwhelming. I can't imagine the western schools are all rushing to schedule hockey east and Bazin has shown repeatedly he's willing to sympathy schedule to programs. Wasn't stonehill on next season's schedule the last time it was posted here?

Not exactly shooting high.

edit: back in the day... I guess I always hoped for 5 ECAC 1 AHA 4 western. I get the feeling these days it is (based on 10 OOC games) 2 western, 5 ECAC, 3 AHA. My heart would like 6 western, 3-4 ECAC, 0-1 AHA fudging back to 4 west 5-6 ecac, 0-1 AHA depending on the year. AHA I lump in eastern independents. Western I do lump in the alaska schools regardless of issues. My western preference would be a better program but I'd settle for ones with good historical backgrounds. I know if said a two set with MTU or WMU most people would run for the hills but I'd be intrigued. But if we can't get a DU/CC set or a Big 10 team every once in awhile or North Dakota, etc. Man...

sounds like the nightmare scenario in play? 2 UAA, 4-5 AHA and 5-6 ECAC? I forget how many conference games we play anymore. is it 24?

[boblav1]

Barry Scanlon @Scanlon65
UMass Lowell's Ryan Brushett has entered the NCAA transfer portal. 1-9-10 in 24 games in second season as River Hawk. Will look to play fifth season at third college (UML, Nebraska Omaha).

[boblav1]

Korencik Locks in ATO with Iowa Heartlanders - UMass Lowell Athletics (goriverhawks.com)

[UMLFan]

I can honestly say that I was happy to see Merrimack lose their first game. This tournament has been mostly garbage, and generally I would have rooted for the HE teams, but the Merrimack student section absolutely disgusted me at the Garden, so I was OK with them getting their asses handed to them.

[UMLFan]

Kaiser signs with Trois-Rivi?res Lions in the ECHL.

[boblav1]

Season recap: Plenty of highlights, not enough goals for UML (lowellsun.com)

[UMLFan]

If Meehan does leave, at this point, we're looking at potentially not a single NHL draft pick on the roster for Lowell in the 23/24 season. That's the first time in a while.

[hawkeytown]

I can honestly say that I was happy to see Merrimack lose their first game. This tournament has been mostly garbage, and generally I would have rooted for the HE teams, but the Merrimack student section absolutely disgusted me at the Garden, so I was OK with them getting their asses handed to them.

This x1000.
Merrimack students may be on to something though, 12 graduate/Senior students on the current roster. So the chances of MC being back to the garden are slim and Merrimack being equivalent to hockey East toilet paper seems accurate.

[boblav1]

Brian Chambers enters the portal.