21 days until fans get to see UMass in their exhibition game against the Dalhousie Tigers.  Today’s countdown features a newcomer wearing #21 for the Minutemen, forward Ryan Badger.  Badger committed to UMass this past spring after playing the previous two season for the Philadephia Jr Flyers of the USPHL.

Badger was the captain of the Flyers this past season and had a very productive season, among the top 10 in the league in scoring, registering 23 goals and 41 points in 48 games.  He really shined in the postseason for his team however, scoring 6 goals and 3 assists in 9 playoff games.  This goal he scored in double overtime during the semifinals was called, according to the team’s release on his commitment, “arguably the greatest moment” in team history.

It sounds like with Badger the Minutemen are adding a player who moves the puck well, plays with heart, and could be a future leader on the team.

photo by Philadelphia Jr Flyers