The NHL Draft takes place this weekend in Sunrise, Florida and there’s a very good chance that at least one current UMass recruit will hear his name called. The first round takes place on Friday at 7pm (broadcast on NBC Sports), but any future Minuteman would likely be picked in rounds 2 through 7 which kick off Saturday at 10am (on NHL Network). Any recruit that gets picked this weekend will join senior Ben Gallacher (Florida, 4th round 2010) and incoming freshman William Lagesson (Edmonton, 4th round 2014) as draft picks associated with the UMass program.
All posts tagged Steve Mastalerz
NHL Draft Preview: Three Future Minutemen May Be Picked In Sunrise
Posted by rocks22 on June 25, 2015
https://fearthetriangle.com/2015/06/25/nhl-draft-preview-three-future-minutemen-may-be-picked-in-sunrise/
Defenseman Colin Felix Commits To UMass
The Massachusetts hockey program picked up a commitment tonight from 6’1”, 175lb defenseman Colin Felix. Felix is a ‘99 birth year so he’d likely arrive in Amherst in 2018, joining fellow defenseman Brian Scoville as the second commitment for that fall.
Posted by rocks22 on June 19, 2015
https://fearthetriangle.com/2015/06/19/defenseman-colin-felix-commits-to-umass/
Recruit Update: California’s Dixson Commits To Minutemen
The Massachusetts hockey program got its fourth commitment in recent weeks on Monday when forward Justin Dixson committed to the Minutemen for the fall of 2017.
Posted by rocks22 on April 22, 2015
https://fearthetriangle.com/2015/04/22/recruit-update-californias-dixson-commits-to-minutemen/
Saturday Recap
Massachusetts had very little to play for yesterday. They had already been eliminated from Hockey East playoff contention with Maine’s win and the heartbreaking overtime loss at Merrimack the night before. And the challenges kept piling up for them before and during yesterday’s game. They were already without star Mike Pereira who suffered a concussion last weekend. Friday night senior Eddie Olcyzk hurt his shoulder and sadly wasn’t able to dress for his final game of his career. Once the game started they suddenly found themselves short a defenseman when Mike Busillo received a game misconduct early on. And in the second period leading scorer Branden Gracel left the game with an injury. With all that against them and very little to play for, you could’ve expected the team to mail it in and just allow the season to end. But they didn’t. With nothing to play for but pride and sending the seniors out on a high note UMass not only showed up last night but dominated in a 3-0 win over Merrimack.
UMass was able to get on the board early in the first when senior co-captain Rocco Carzo made a great backhand pass across the slot from underneath the goal line that found it mark on Adam Phillips’ stick for the goal. Just a few seconds later UMass would face their first test of adversity as Busillo picked up a contact to the head penalty for an open ice hit and the Minutemen were now without one of their defenseman. Helping to offset that blueline loss for the rest of the game though was the fact that, due to so many other injuries, Anthony Raiola was dressed and playing as a forward. He was able to slide back to defense as needed and help contribute to an excellent game by the defense as a whole. Busillo’s major and an Oleg Yevenko penalty shortly after meant that the Warriors ended up with over six minutes straight of power play time, including some five on three advantage. But the penalty kill was huge all night, not allowing a goal despite over 14 minutes of power play time for Merrimack.
At the end of the first Conor Sheary would jump on a redirected puck in front of the net and put it in the resulting open net. In the second period Colin Shea got on the scoresheet with a shot from the point that deflected off a Merrimack stick into the near top corner of the net past Sam Marotta. Later in that period Gracel would go down injured after being slammed into the boards by a Merrimack player. Somehow there was no call on the play. Coach Micheletto, like everyone else in the building, was pretty astounded at the no call and tried to get the officials to come over to talk to him by waiting to send out his next line. As a result, referees Chris Federico and Justin Greene assessed UMass with a delay of game penalty while still refusing to acknowledge Mick on the UMass bench. I thought it was a good move by Mick. The refs needed to address how Busillo was in the dressing room for an open ice hit while an obvious boarding that injured UMass’ best scorer went uncalled. Gracel would try to play a couple more shifts that period but by the third period he was not on the bench.
With the officials not doing their job, the Minutemen felt they needed to take matters into their own hands and the third period ended up very chippy. Conor Allen picked up three penalties in the period alone. Luckily the game got physical but didn’t get out of control. Even while picking up penalties and crushing Warriors the Minutemen still controlled play and outshot Merrimack 14-10 in the final period. On the other end Steve Mastalerz remained perfect on the night and stopped all 24 shots he faced for his second career shutout.
And that’s how the UMass season ended. Even knowing there would be no game and with an easy excuse of injuries available, the team went out and had one of their better games of the season. I have to say I was really proud of the heart they showed to go out and win in that fashion. With the win over UNH last fall and capturing the Ledyard Classic, I’d have say last night was one of the best games of the year.
After the game it was time to celebrate the careers of Rocco Carzo, Kevin Czepiel, Darren Rowe, and Eddie Olczyk. The senior ceremony was different this year, coming after the game rather than before. I wish the entire crowd had stayed for it, but a good number of the 4,500 did. Those who stayed got to see a montage of the players’ highlights as well as pictures of them as kids. They also got to see just how much being a UMass hockey player means to these guys. Eddie Olczyk, who dressed in full gear for the ceremony despite being injured, displayed tremendous emotion when he was honored. It was a good reminder of the dedication and love these guys have for the game and for UMass. And it was an uplifting way to end the season.
Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Steve Mastalerz
Yesterday was a total team win. Everyone contributed, from the guys who scored the goals to the hard hits that came later to stand up for Gracel. But a shutout seems worthy of the POTG honors and it capped off a stretch of games where Mastalerz looked very good in net.
Highlights from UMass Athletics
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Dick Baker has the game story for the Republican.
Mike McMahon has his takeaways from College Hockey News.
Late news today is that Boston University’s Jack Parker will announce his retirement. I’m sure I don’t have to take the time to list his overwhelming accomplishments during his coaching career on Comm Ave. Best wishes to him in his retirement. The guy is a legend.
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So that’s it. Season’s over, unfortunately a little sooner than we all wanted. I’m not done yet though. I still have a little more writing in me before I pull the plug on this place. Tomorrow I’ll unveil my awards for the season. Later in the week I’ll post my season recap as well as my thoughts on the state of the program.
Posted by rocks22 on March 10, 2013
https://fearthetriangle.com/2013/03/10/saturday-recap-23/
Friday Recap
The Massachusetts hockey team went into Durham last night and did something they have not been able to do very often in recent years; get points. With their playoff lives on the line it was absolutely necessary that they get at least a point out of the game, which they did with the 2-2 tie against New Hampshire. It certainly would’ve been nice if they could’ve held on to a one goal lead with under a minute left in regulation. But I think it’s more important to focus on the fact that they were able to get a point from the #5 team in the country on their home ice and as of this morning UMass is still in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot.
This was not a very entertaining game to watch in terms of aesthetics. Both teams seemed to have major problems moving the puck and establishing good offensive possessions. It was interesting to watch though as it was two teams battling back and forth in a game that meant a lot to both of them, with the Wildcats fighting for a regular season championship. UMass struck first in the opening period on a Mike Pereira goal after a Conor Allen shot bounced off the glass and in front of the net where Pereira did the rest. After being hot for most of February (Pereira was named a runner up for Player of the Month) he cooled off last weekend, registering zero points against Maine. But the goal last night broke that brief scoreless streak and helped UMass establish themselves in the game. The Wildcats would answer though with a power play goal half way through the game.
It would remain 1-1 until the end of the game. Late in the third senior Eddie Olczyk scored his third goal of the season to put UMass ahead with just 65 seconds left. But that lead wouldn’t hold and with the extra attacker UNH would tie with only 3.7 seconds left. UMass would have the edge in shot in overtime, 5-4, but the game would end at two goals apiece.
Again, it wasn’t pretty. It was a little disappointing not to get the win despite the late lead. But the Minutemen wake up this morning tied in 8th with Maine and holding the tiebreaker in the form of conference wins (eight to Maine’s six). At this point in the season I don’t think you can ask for more than that. Their playoff prospects are still tenuous however. Maine still has a game with Northeastern tonight and while the Black Bears are getting healthier with Joey Diamond and Kyle Beattie back the Huskies are without star Kevin Roy. It’s probably a good bet that Maine will win or at least tie tonight, which means UMass will have to do their best to get some points tonight as well. A Minuteman win and a Vermont loss would even vault UMass into 7th place, but at this point 8th and just getting in should be the goal.
Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Steve Mastalerz
Like the overtime win over the Wildcats last November, this game was a goaltender duel. However while that game featured the skills of Casey DeSmith versus Kevin Boyle, last night had DeSmith facing Steve Mastalerz. Mastalerz played very well, especially early on when the Wildcats held a sizable advantage in shots. He made 15 saves in the first period alone.
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College Hockey News focuses on the superb play of the goaltenders.
Posted by rocks22 on March 2, 2013
https://fearthetriangle.com/2013/03/02/friday-recap-27/
Friday Recap
Let’s face it, when it comes to Maine there are really only two players you have to worry about this season; Martin Ouellette and Joey Diamond. So when news came out just before the game that Diamond did not make the trip from Orono due to a back injury, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that UMass would pick up the win last night. After all, Diamond had accounted for over 1/5th of all goals for Maine this season and is really their only threat on offense. Also missing would be his agitating style of play, allowing the Minutemen to remain focused on the task at hand and keep their heads. Well Ouellette and the Minutemen’s own subpar play negated Diamond’s absence and the Black Bears were the victors by the score of 2-0. The loss knocks the Minutemen into 9th place in Hockey East. If the league playoffs started today UMass would not be participating in it for the first time since 2002.
Ouellette deserves all the accolades from last night’s win. Not only did he pick up the win but he made some spectacular plays while doing so. Coming halfway across the net in the second period to rob K.J. Tiefenwerth with his glove may be the best save I’ve seen all year. His play does not excuse the Minutemen for last night’s loss however. There was a glaring lack of energy and a lack of focus on the team’s part. Aspects of the game that were huge strengths just a month ago are now obvious deficiencies, such as faceoffs and the penalty kill. The power play last night was abysmal, generating just four shots in three full opportunities.
Has the team packed it in for the season? It sure as hell looks like it. A loss tonight would sink the Minutemen to three points behind Maine and out of the playoffs while also giving the Black Bears the tie breaker. Right now it seems extremely unlikely that UMass would gain much in terms of points in the following two weekends against New Hampshire and Merrimack, the leagues two hottest teams. Maine on the other hand has an easier schedule with two games left against last place Northeastern. That pretty much adds up to the prospect of playoffs for the Minutemen coming down to the 60 minutes on the ice tonight. Let’s see if the team can play like the season is on the line. Because it is.
Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Steve Mastalerz
It’s never easy to be cold on the bench and have to come into the game midway through a period. But that’s what Mastalerz was called to do last night when Coach Micheletto, looking to send a message to the team, pulled Kevin Boyle in the second. Mastalerz was up to the task and turned away all eight shots faced.
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Mick will continue to press buttons to try to get the team back winning again per the Republican game story.
The Collegian points out that just three weeks ago UMass was looking to move into 5th place in the standings.
Michael King has the game story for College Hockey News.
Here’s how things looked for the Bangor Daily News.
Posted by rocks22 on February 23, 2013
https://fearthetriangle.com/2013/02/23/friday-recap-26/
Boston College Recap
On October 19th UMass brought a 3-0 lead into the third period against Boston College. After giving up a couple early goals in the final stanza Darren Rowe scored for the Minutemen to put them up 4-2 with just over 10 minutes left. But a couple Eagle goals late sent the game into overtime where BC would eventually get the win. A couple weeks later against the Eagles UMass had a 2-1 lead early in the third but again couldn’t hold on and fell 3-2. Last night UMass went into the third with a 2-1 lead, looking for their first win at Conte Forum since 2007. So when UMass brought another 2-1 lead into the final period last night many Minuteman fans were expecting to see BC come back to tie it up, which is exactly what happened just over four minutes in when Steve Whitney scored. What wasn’t expected was with under seven minutes left UMass would score three goals in just over three minutes and shock the #2 Eagles by the score of 5-2.
At the beginning of the game you never would’ve thought it would end with UMass taking a three goal win. In fact it looked like the Eagles could’ve been up three goals after the first few minutes alone. The officiating crew of Tim Bennedetto and Kevin Keenan rewarded BC with 5 minutes of power play time in the first 9 minutes of the game, four straight penalties called against the Minutemen. The Eagles used that opportunity to pepper Steve Mastalerz, making his second straight start, with nine shots on those early power plays and 11 overall during that time. UMass only had two shots on goal in that crucial first nine minutes of the game but when that time period was over it was the Minutemen who had a 1-0 lead thanks to a shorthanded goal by Steven Guzzo after Rocco Carzo stole the puck in the BC zone. Special teams would strike again at the very end of the period when Branden Gracel, clearly the star of the team this season, scored on the power play.
Mastalerz stood on his head to keep the Eagles off the board in the first, facing 14 shots total and turning them all away. Many in spectacular fashion. In the second and third periods the defense in front of him stepped up and were able to limit BC to just 9 shots total in those two periods. But Parker Milner played well on the other end during that time and stopped all 12 UMass shots in that second period. Things were tense after the game was tied in the third but when Mike Pereira scored the go ahead goal with seven minuets left it was all Minutemen thereafter. K.J. Tiefenwerth would score shortly after, no doubt feeling pretty good about helping defeat the school who pulled his spot on their team. Gracel’s second goal of the night finished things off.
Obviously there were of positives to talk about from last night’s game. The defense and Mastalerz played well for the second straight game, withstanding the early power play barrage and limiting chances in the final two periods. Colin Shea really struggled in that first game against Providence last weekend but looked noticeably better last night, even adding a couple of assists. Conor Sheary assisted on both Gracel goals and now has six points in his last four games. Gracel continues to be on fire lately, with five goals and eight assists in his last nine games.
Last night was great to witness as a fan but I am extremely happy for seniors Kevin Czepiel, Darren Rowe, Eddie Olczyk, and Rocco Carzo. These four guys had been a part of many hard fought battles and heart breaking losses at Conte Forum but it took what could perhaps be their last visit to finally experience a win there.
Fear The Triangle Player of the Game – Steve Mastalerz
Obviously Gracel’s two goals and assist were huge for the Minutemen but the fact is if Mastalerz done not come up with those big saves and withstand the multiple BC power plays in those first nine minutes this game could’ve been a blowout by the end of the first.
Highlights from UMassAthletics.com
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“Amazing Gracel” is the headline for the Herald’s recap.
Here’s the Republican’s game story.
The Collegian’s recap focuses in on the seniors.
College Hockey News’ recap highlights the line of Pereira, Gracel, and Sheary.
Here’s the Eagle point of view from BC Interruption.
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A couple of former Minutemen will likely soon be making their NHL debuts. Matt Irwin has made the opening roster for the Sharks. And former UMass captain Mike Kostka will be dressed for the Maple Leafs in their first game. The Toronto Globe and Mail has this great story about the 27 year old finally getting his shot in the NHL, with a few mentions of the alma mater. Congrats to both!
Posted by rocks22 on January 19, 2013
https://fearthetriangle.com/2013/01/19/boston-college-recap-4/
View From Section U: Freshmen Comparisons By The Numbers
A couple weeks back I gave my thoughts on the incoming freshmen and how they may fit into this season’s lineup. To continue an annual tradition here at FTT I’ve compiled their junior level statistics along with current and former UMass players who played in the same league to try to better gauge what kind of expectations we should have of them
First let’s start in the New England prep league.
Steve Mastalerz – G – Kimball Union
24-6-4 1.81GAA .931 save %
Other prep league goaltenders:
Jon Quick 27-1-0 1.14 GAA .953 save %
Gabe Winer 14-8-0 1.82 GAA .920 save %
It’s a bit much to be looking for the next Jon Quick, but Gabe Winer was a dependable goaltender who was able to give the Minutemen solid time in net for all four of his years in Amherst.
Kevin Boyle played goaltender in the BCHL last year a league that has given UMass players like Eric Filiou, Matt Irwin, and Kelly Sickavish. But UMass hasn’t gotten many, if any, goaltenders from the league. However, they did get a goaltender from the nearby AJHL, which is supposed to be similar in talent. Let’s see how Boyle’s junior numbers stack up against Paul Dainton’s.
Kevin Boyle – G – Westside Warriors
20-16-1 3.02GAA .902 save %
Other Western Canada goaltenders:
Paul Dainton 13-6-4 2.42GAA .916 save %
Boyle’s numbers are below Dainton’s. However, they aren’t too far off of current Northeastern goaltender Chris Rawlings who had a GAA of 2.83 and save percentage of .915 in his last year in the BCHL.
Onto Atlantic Junior Hockey. Unfortunately the league website has started wiping last year’s stats.
Mike Busillo – D – Hartford Jr Wolfpack
41GP 8G 19A 27Pts 97PIM
While UMass has recruited defensemen from Atlantic Junior they usually go somewhere else for a couple years between there and UMass, such as Mike Marcou who went on to play in the USHL. Still Busillo was one of the top scoring defensemen in the league and one of the leaders in penalty minutes.
Let’s move onto the USHL where UMass has gotten the majority of their players recently.
Oleg Yevenko – D – Fargo Force
52 GP 4G 4A 8pts 0+/- 197 PIM
Other USHL defensemen:
Adam Phillips 47GP 1G 11A 12Pts 0+/- 16PIM
Justin Braun 59GP 2G 11A 13Pts +5 69PIM
Mike Marcou 48GP 2G 9A 11Pts -8 22PIM
Darren Rowe 52GP 7G 16A 23Pts +16 8PIM
Obviously Yevenko is unlike any of the recent defensemen we’ve gotten from the USHL, in that he’s going to be out the ice to punish the other team. You can see by the stats he almost triple Justin Braun’s PIM total in the USHL. He’ll intimidate on the ice, the question is can he play defense?
Now to the local EJHL.
Andrew Tegeler – F – Junior Bruins
44GP 19G 21A 40pts 38PIM
Other EJHL forwards:
Peter DeAngelo 45GP 15G 15A 30Pts 10PIM
Patrick Kiley 44GP 14G 38A 52Pts 83PIM
Alex Berry ??GP 21G 31A 52Pts
Marc Concannon 20GP 2G 15A 17Pts
Scott Crowder 54GP 23G 30A 53Pts
Jordan Virtue 36GP 13G 30A 43Pts
Kevin Czepiel 43 GP 18G 58A 76Pts
This is an interesting one. His numbers aren’t much different than DeAngelo’s or Kiley’s, neither of which made much of an impact last year. Then again they’re not too far off of Alex Berry and Scott Crowder who both had very good careers at UMass. What sets Tegeler apart from Kiley and DeAngelo is his size, 6’2” 200lbs.
The NAHL presents a problem.
Emerson Auvenshine – F – Bismarck Bobcats
54GP 11G 11A 22pts +1 106PIM
The only recent player who UMass has had from the NAHL is Anthony Raiola, a defenseman. Before that was third string goaltender Mike Waidlich. However there a couple NAHL forwards in Hockey East. Brandon Brodhag of Merrimack put up 33 goals and 65 pts in the NAHL and last year as a sophomore had 10 goals and 17 points for the Warriors. Of course Merrimack has had good luck with NAHL players, like some guy named Stephane DeCosta. Rob Dongara put up similar numbers to Auvenshine in the NAHL, 11 goals 23 points, and had 6 goals and 8 assists playing in nearly every game as a freshman for Northeastern.
The OPJHL is known for high point totals and mixed results in the college ranks.
Zack LaRue – F – Markham Waxers
50GP 33G 36A 69pts 26PIM
Other OPJHL/CCHL forwards:
Chase Langeraap 49GP 33G 46A 79PTS 73PIM
Shawn Saunders 49GP 10G 33A 43PTS 81PIM
Kevin Jarman 46GP 43G 36A 79PTS 51PIM
You can see his numbers compare favorably to Chase Langeraap’s and Kevin Jarman’s. Both played valuable roles for the Minutemen, but unfortunately for both it took until their senior year to finally see the promise that their lofty junior totals suggested. Will LaRue break the trend and put up the numbers in year one?
Stephen Guzzo – F – Oakville Blades
56GP 29G 41A 70pts 52PIM
Redshift freshman Stephen Guzzo’s junior numbers also stack up well next to the previous Minutemen from the OPJHL.
There you have it. What does all of this mean? Who knows! But at least it gives us something to think about in the 23 days until the puck drops.
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I caught an interview on 1510AM, the Boston station that carries some of the UMass hockey games, with Billy Hogan from Fenway Sports Group, the group publicizing Frozen Fenway 2012. He says they’ve already sold over 30,000 tickets. Wow! And people said outdoor hockey had jumped the shark. The fact that it has sold so well is really a testament to the alumni of the schools in the Boston area with UMass having the most representation in the area.
Great to see Paul Dainton doing well at the prospect tournament in Traverse City representing the Blue Jackets. He got the win over the Wild prospects last night, 3-1, making 26 saves. Fire The Cannon says he played the puck more than the other Blue Jacket goaltenders. Yeah, get used to that and keep the defibrillator nearby.
Here’s a look at Jon Quick’s hockey mask for this season.
Posted by rocks22 on September 14, 2011
https://fearthetriangle.com/2011/09/14/view-from-section-u-freshman-comparisons-by-the-numbers/
Sizing Up The Freshmen
This was a busy week for the UMass athletic department, what with football media day and such. So it doesn’t look like the shorthanded staff was able to update the hockey roster this week. Originally I was waiting see the final fall roster before starting in on previews but, probably like most of you, I’m chomping at the bit to start thinking about the upcoming season. So without knowing entirely who’s coming and who’s going, let’s start to take a look at this year’s roster. While most of the attention will be spent on the talented and deep sophomore class as well as the core group of returning captains as seniors, the freshmen will have a key role to play in this team’s success. Especially in perhaps the most important position of all, goaltender. So here’s a short introduction to the new players coming onto campus, what they bring to the team, and what holes they may potentially fill.
Forwards
Emerson Auvenshine
Auvenshine is the most recent player to commit to the Minutemen. He has spent the last two seasons with the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL, a Midwest junior league that seen as a step below the elite level USHL. With the Bobcats last year he put up 11 goals and 11 assists to go along with 106 PIM. The penalty minutes suggest he plays with grit, which is something that was definitely lacking with last year’s UMass team. The Michigan native seems to be a really hard worker, as Paul Teeple, broadcaster for the Bobcats, wrote about his perseverance in North Dakota that not only saw him make the team but become one of its assistant captains. Auvenshine will likely see some time on the third and fourth lines to help the Minutemen defensively and keep the other teams honest, but it’s always tough to know what to expect from players coming out of a mid-tier league like the NAHL. If he gets significant playing time, it’s likely because he’s working harder than everyone else in practice.
Zack LaRue
If LaRue isn’t seen as the highest profile freshman coming in, he at least is likely to make the most impact offensively. He’s seen as being one a strong skater, well-conditioned, can put up points (33 goals, 36 assists in 50 games with Markham of the OPJHL), and is also a top penalty killer. That description makes him sound a lot like co-captain T.J. Syner. The difference? LaRue is 6’2” and 195lbs. LaRue seems like the type of player who will be able to come in and immediately contribute to the scoring load, which is very important considering the team was 7th in Hockey East in goals, but at the same time able to withstand checks along the boards and maybe hand a few out. I see LaRue likely playing on the top two lines, mixing in with the likes of Syner, Danny Hobbs, Mike Pereira, and Conor Sheary.
Andrew Tegeler
Tegeler should also be able to provide some offensive punch when he hits Amherst in the fall, but for the most part seems like a solid two way player. Playing in the EJHL last year he had 19 goals and 21 assists in 44 games. Six of his goals were game winners which was good for second in the league. On the other side of the puck he ended up a +30. UMass has had good luck with two way players from the Junior Bruins before, such as Alex Berry. While not as big as Berry, it is reported that Tegeler is able to use his 6’1” frame to his advantage. I see the New Jersey native as getting solid minutes on the third line.
Defense
Mike Busillo
As mentioned before, physical play, or lack thereof, was a huge concern for the team last year. Busillo’s addition is another sign that the coaching staff moved quickly to address that deficiency. The 6’2” blueliner had 97 PIM for the Junior Wolfpack of the AJHL last year where he was an All-Star. He also proved to be pretty good with the puck as well, putting up 8 goals and 19 assists on the season. His 27 points led all defensemen on his team. Busillo adds depth to a solid, but young, defensive corp and while he might not be in the lineup every night, I do suspect he’ll play a fair share of games.
Oleg Yevenko
Again, size and toughness has been seen as a major area of concern for this team in recent years. Yevenko addresses both, in a big way. At 6’7 he becomes the tallest player ever for the program and will even have Adam Phillips looking up at him. As for toughness, playing for Fargo of the USHL he averaged just under 4 PIM a game and was second overall in the league. If anything, UMass fans are probably worried Yevenko might be spending too much time in the penalty box and his style of play may end up hurting the team. That remains to be seen. If you believe what Fargo beat writer Ryan S Clark has to say, Yevenko’s style of play will be an asset, even if it did draw multiple suspensions out west. I expect the big Belarusian to be in the lineup every night and having strong words with any opposing player who gets a little too aggressive with Syner, Sheary, or Kevin Czepiel.
Goaltender
Kevin Boyle
Boyle has been committed to UMass for a number of years now, which has allowed fans to get a pretty good feel for what type of player he may be. In fact I even got to see him play in person a couple of seasons ago. Boyle played well in the AJHL for a couple seasons, but last year went far from his home in New Jersey to play in British Columbia under the tutelage of former UMass grad assistant Darren Yopyk. While this couldn’t have been easy I think it was a great move to go against the higher competition of the BCHL. There, his play was, well, inconsistent (I know, I’m a terrible person for saying so). One night he’d get a shutout or give up a goal and the next he’d struggle to stay in the game. But overall he had a decent season going 20-16-1 with a GAA of 3.02 and save percentage of .902. In the playoffs he played even better but unfortunately an injury led to an early exit for him and his team. Still, he played well enough to be named to the BCHL All-Rookie team. With Paul Dainton gone and sophomore Jeff Teglia putting up OK but not great numbers last year the goaltender position is wide open. Boyle probably will be right there competing for the starting job.
Steve Mastalerz
Mastalerz but up stellar numbers for Kimball Union of the New England Prep League, going 24-6-4 with a miniscule 1.81 goals against and .931 save percentage. For all that USHR named him a prep All-Star. UMass has had pretty good success with goaltenders from the prep schools, with Jon Quick and Gabe Winer both coming from that route previously. Mastalerz already has a relationship with UMass goaltending coach Mike Buckley which should help him get acclimated to the school and college level quickly. He was pursued by multiple Hockey East schools before ultimately deciding on UMass. Frankly, the goaltender job is up for grabs. I don’t see any reason why he won’t contend for it.
While not a freshman another player to keep in mind is Stephen Guzzo, who injured his knee on the eve of last year’s opener and ended up being a medical redshirt. While he wasn’t able to skate again until spring, his familiarity with the system and his teammate should give him a step up this fall. Guzzo had 29 goals and 41 assists in 70 games in his last season in the OJHL, but will likely be used more as a defensive player. I expect him to get regular rotation on the 3rd and 4th lines.
So there you have it, your class of 2015. If anything, this class addresses immediate needs the team has to fill to be successful this season. Over the years the Minutemen have gotten smaller, quicker, more skilled. That has been a good thing when you see the production of guys like James Marcou and T.J. Syner. But at the same time strong defensive teams have found ways to limit how much damage those guys can inflict by being overly aggressive and using size to their advantage. That will not happen with this class. The team is bringing on skilled forwards who can score and move the puck, yet are over 6’. On defense UMass got bigger, a lot bigger, and will bring an edge to the squad that has not been seen since perhaps Steve Jacobs suited up for the Minutemen. In goal, the coaching staff have given themselves options. The goaltending situation will be the biggest story of the year. Fans will enjoy following how it progresses, even if it leads to some downright scary situations here and there. Still, if one guy isn’t getting it done in net, there are two others just as capable waiting in the wings. Some of the best goaltending for this squad just may take place during the week at practice as they fight for the top spot.
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Nice to see Paul Dainton sign his first pro contract with the team just down the valley, the Springfield Falcons. Dainton did well for them during an ATO (Amateur Tryout) at the end of last season.
Stick tap to the reader who passed along the news that Darren Rowe and Troy Power, along with some other prominent college players such as BU’s Max Nicastro and Denver goaltender Beau Bennett, will be taking on alumni of the LA Kings this weekend. The game is a benefit for the Junior Kings squad, which Rowe, Power, and the other amateur players played for when they were younger. What? No Brad Norton?
Obi Aduba spent his summer playing in Australia.
Reports continue to come out that the Fenway game will be taking place.
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Farewell, “Fighting Sioux”. I’m sorry the NCAA couldn’t see the difference between a name that honors and one that demeans (looking at you pro teams in Cleveland and Washington DC).
The selection committee has made a tweak to the common opponent part of the pairwise calculation.
Posted by rocks22 on August 19, 2011
https://fearthetriangle.com/2011/08/19/sizing-up-the-freshmen/
Recruit Update
First off, a big congratulations and thank you to Athletic Director John McCutcheon and Chancellor Robert Holub for doing what others would only talk about. UMass is set to announce it is upgrading its football program to FBS where they’ll play in the MAC. It’s been a dream of mine, and many others, to see the school play at the highest level of collegiate football. While I focus primarily on hockey (and beer) on this blog I’m also a season ticket holder for football, attending every game and have followed the team in its travels from Ann Arbor to Chattanooga. This is tremendous news and will only make the athletic department, and thus the hockey program, better as a whole.
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Kevin Boyle – G – Westside Warriors (BCHL)
39 GP / 20-16-1 / 3.02 GAA / .902 sv%
Boyle’s team was eliminated in the second round of the BCHL playoffs after he got injured. He did pretty well in the playoffs going 6-6-0 with a 3.00 GAA and a .907 save percentage.
Mike Busillo – D – Hartford Jr Wolfpack (AtlJHL)
41 GP / 8 G / 19 A / 27 Pts / 97 PIM
Busillo’s season is over as his Wolfpack were eliminated by Walpole in the first round of the AtlJHL playoffs. He had a goal in three playoff games.
Kenny Gillespie – RW – Shattuck St Mary’s (MN)
49 GP / 13 G / 42 A / 55 Pts / 76 PIM
Gillespie’s season is over after Shattuck won the Tier-I Under 18 National Championship earlier this month in Simsbury, CT. Gillespie was the 12th leading scorer in the tournament, netting two goals and three assists in the six games.
Zack LaRue – C/F – Markham Waxers (OPJHL)
50 GP / 33 G / 36 A / 69 Pts / 26 PIM
LaRue’s season has come to a close as his Waxers lost in the first round of the playoffs. He had a goal and four assists in five playoff games, including a game winner and a shorthanded goal.
Joseph Manno – South Kent Cardinal (NE Prep)
24 GP / 16 G / 27 A / 43 Pts
South Kent was upset in the prep playoffs despite being the top seed.
Steve Mastalerz – G – Kimball Union Wildcats (NE Prep)
35 GP / 24-7-4 / 1.63 GAA / .923 sv%
Mastalerz’s season is over after KUA lost in the first playoff game 4-3 in overtime.
Andrew Tegeler – F – Junior Bruins (EJHL)
44 GP / 19 G / 21 A / 40 Pts / 38 PIM
Tegeler’s Bruins were eliminated in the EJHL playoffs.
Shane Walsh -LW – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
49 GP / 9 G / 7 A / 16 Pts / 14 PIM
Walsh’s Saints had a first round by in the USHL playoffs but will take on Oleg Yevenko and the Fargo Force in the second round.
Oleg Yevenko -D – Fargo Force (USHL)
52 GP / 4 G / 4 A / 8 Pts / 197 PIM
Yevenko was suspended for the first round of the playoffs but is due to return against the Saints.
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In alumni news Jon Quick and Justin Braun and their Kings and Sharks will play Game 3 tonight, with Quick coming off his first ever playoff shutout. In the AHL Casey Wellman has a goal and an assist while his Houston Aeros are up 3-0 in their series over Peoria. Alex Berry’s Norfolk Admirals are up 2-0 on the Wilkes-Barre Penguins but he appears to be out for injury or something. David Leaderer hasn’t played for the Milwaukee Admirals who are tied 1-1 with the Texas Stars.
In the ECHL coach Dean Stork’s Road Warriors are tied at one apiece in the second round of the playoffs there.
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It appears that Lowell has found their next coach.
Posted by rocks22 on April 19, 2011
https://fearthetriangle.com/2011/04/19/recruit-update-17/
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