9 Players gone. While some were not suited to Division I hockey, losing three or four core players leaves one wondering how toxic the program has become. I am still surprised that both Scout Truman and Matt Crasa are still here. Tough decision for them with their lack of development and supporting cast. Let's be honest here, Norm Bazin is NOT an OFFENSIVE COACH. Our PP was nonexistent this year. His results to those of us that have followed the program the last 15 years or longer may think that the only thing OFFESNSIVE about Norm is his lack of drafting and then developing drafted and undrafted players alike to the pro game of style of speed, pace and transitioning to offense. Players like Lee, Master, Lohin, Barton, Campbell, Meehen -though he is back for a 5th year, CJ Smith, Brown and Gamberdella come to mind. I remember when some wags here with hubris mocked the flagship for signing drafted players with the remark “that the player must have pick the wrong UMass school.” I do not write frequently, and in the past pointed out our lack of recruiting and the lack of Norm’s in game adjustments. I always shook my head with Norm’s “I’ll have to watch the film on that to comment.” Were you not watching the game? Can this lack of success and roster flux leave player’s questioning a possible commitment to UMass-Lowell? This last season was terrible, and I don’t buy all the injury excuses, as that is just part of the game. Norm always prided himself on having plug and play players, but his own lack of recruiting came back to haunt him.
Other questions I had did the season included. Did the loss of Andy Jones on the defensive coaching side hurt more than the alleged defensive strength Norm brings to the table? Where was the AD in this mix? I know he was let go......but he should have expected more from the hockey program. Warning signs for me went off when Matt Brown left 3 years ago or so. Even though he had defensive lapses, he was unquestionably one of our better players. A good offense is a good defense. Besides how many quality scorers are stars on defense? Gave up my season tickets 3 years ago, watched them on ESPN+ but they played such an uninspired brand of hockey .......tough to watch. Once they fell behind, I knew they were not coming back.
Put me on the band wagon to bring in a new coach, with a new philosophy that can recruit. UMass coach Carvel and his assistant Barr now at Maine is the type we need. Solid recruiters and successful in developing players. Too late this year, but the Peter Principle is definitely on display here. Norm has reached his own level of incompetence. Situations change, college hockey has changed and if you cannot adapt, time to say bye bye.
