Over three years ago New Jersey native John Parker first committed to play at UMass.  This past winter his prospects of playing in Hockey East looked slim when Parker and the UMass coaching staff mutually agreed to part ways when he balked at the prospect of moving from forward to defense.  Well at the 11th hour, and probably with a little help from his USHL team’s owner who also is a big Maine supporter, Parker has secured a spot to play for the Black Bears next fall.  Good luck to him in Orono, except of course when he takes on the Minutemen.

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Casey Wellman struggled through most of his teams playoff games going into last week’s game 7 against Milwaukee in the AHL second round, scoring just one goal in 10 games.  But goal number two was a big one, a gamewinner late in the game to help the Houston Aeros clinch the series.  His Aeros are now up 1-0 on the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Eastern Conference finals.  Wellman had an assist in the series opener.  Minnesota Wild blog Hockey Wilderness grades Wellman’s first full year of pro hockey.

Oh the NHL side of things, Justin Braun continues to be the odd man out in the defensive corps, not dressing for any of the series against the Red Wings.