It was a successful weekend for the UMass recruits this past week.

Kenny Gillespie – RW – Omaha Lancers (USHL) – 2012
7 GP / 1 G / 1 A / 2 Pts / 21 PIM / +2
Gillespie scored his first USHL goal this past weekend in a game against Dubuque and future teammate Shane Walsh.

Willy Smith – LW – Springfield Pics (EJHL) – 2014
7 GP / 1 G / 1 A / 2 Pts / 9 PIM
After starting out the year a level down in the Empire League, Smith scored his first EJHL goal, on the power play, against the New York Apple Core over the weekend.  I must say, I’m happy to see Western Mass hockey talent staying in Western Mass.  It always hurts a little to see a Barry Almeida at Boston College or a Rob Bellamy at Maine.   UMass has had success turning local players into Hockey East stars, from Rob Bonneau to T.J. Syner.  Hopefully Smith will follow in their shoes.

Shane Walsh – LW – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) -2012
11 GP / 4 G / 3 A / 7 PIM / 0 PIM / -1
Gillespie’s Lancers may have beaten Walsh’s Saints, but Walsh won the individual battle of the future Minutemen. Walsh had a goal and two assists in the 5-4 loss. Walsh has four goals and two assists in his last five games.

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The Hockey East writers from USCHO do not think Toot Cahoon is on the hot seat.

One time UMass recruit and Northeastern commit Mike McKee is heading to Western Michigan.