If you are a UML fan you have alot be to excited about next season. As the Hockey East Analyst I followed every team this year, and in watching lowell the four biggest pieces on their team were Carr, Wilson, Wetmore and Ruhwedel. All of these kids are back. Lowell came a game from the frozen four this season and return their entire core. Norm Bazin did a complete overhaul in terms of the culture in the room and Id be shocked if Lowell does not compete for the league title next season. I do not know a ton about their recruits. They certainly went old and are bringing in quite a few 21 year old freshman (7 to be exact). The next step for Lowell is going to be to build on their momentum and get in the ring with the likes of UNH, Maine and maybe even BU and start competing for some of the top recruits in the area. They have excellent facilities and Lowell is a respectable school. Traditionally Lowell has not been a place where local kids dream of playing--but a couple winning seasons can go a long ways. Norm Bazin is very passionate about Lowell and I believe he can sell that program and begin to start taking a piece of the pie.
When you look at next year I think Lowell will come into the season ranked #2, behind BC only--but they will be older and more experienced than BC---BC lost 3 very good dmen in Dumoulin, Cross and Shea and that is no small challenge to replace them. I think next season will be a down year for Hockey East on the national level and I believe it is as good a chance as ever for Lowell to win the league. Hope this helps.
