Massachusetts hockey followers can start to map out their fall and winter weekends because the 2016-17 schedule was launched earlier this week.  With the UMass Athletics web site briefly in transition the schedule is just obtainable in Tweet type:

This looks as if a strong schedule for the workforce this 12 months.  There will likely be a number of new faces on the squad, to not point out a model new teaching workers, and it’s mentioned that lengthy street journeys generally helps groups bond.  Properly the Minutemen could have a few these with a visit throughout the Atlantic to play within the Friendship 4 in Belfast, Eire in November after which will head west to Minnesota for the Mariucci Traditional the next month.

UMass will host a pair western groups as effectively.  They’ll kick off the season once more in opposition to Colorado School, however this time at dwelling.  After which in December they host school hockey’s latest program, Arizona State, for 2 video games.  They’ll additionally host AIC and Military in non-conference video games.  They’ll tackle a pair ECAC foes on the street with Princeton and Quinnipiac.

UMass does quit a house recreation as a result of Frozen Fenway matchup in opposition to Boston College on January seventh.  Dwelling video games are entrance loaded on this schedule with 7 of the primary 9 video games being performed on the Mullins Middle.  Sadly simply 6 of the 16 video games performed after winter break will likely be performed at dwelling.  One other annoying a part of the schedule is the truth that there’s not one, not two, not three, not 4, however FIVE video games are performed on Tuesdays.  Have you ever at all times wished to see UMass play in Princeton’s historic Hobey Baker Rink?  Properly have enjoyable driving to New Jersey on a Tuesday.  Three of the six dwelling video games after the New 12 months fall on a Tuesday.  That’s fairly ridiculous, frankly, and will by no means occur.

I feel how the schedule is about up, when it comes to timing of the journeys, dwelling video games versus away video games, and so forth., will most likely have an awesome impression on the workforce’s document than the precise power of the opponents.  Hockey East is Hockey East and the non-conference slate doesn’t appear overwhelming.  Total an honest schedule outdoors of the few annoying quirks.

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Ivan Chukarov made impression at Buffalo Sabres improvement camp not too long ago.  Earlier than camp began the Sabres had this story on their website about Chukarov desirous to make an impression throughout his second summer time with the workforce that drafted him.  Mission achieved as Chukarov was offered with the Craig Ramsay Award for being the toughest working participant at camp.

William Lagesson talked about a few of his expertise at Edmonton Oilers camp:

Henry Dill, who parted methods with UMass this Spring will play in web for Utica School.

And it has additionally been reported that former UMass ahead Keith Burchett will likely be transferring to Lowell.

Maddison Smiley reportedly will likely be enjoying at a college in his native Alberta subsequent season.

The convention carousel retains on turning with Minnesota State making an attempt to maneuver from the WCHA to the NCHC.

Lastly, in could be the center of Summer time however folks in Amherst are already fired up in regards to the coming season of UMass hockey!  “3:01 a.m. – Police spoke to folks carrying a big billboard promoting UMass hockey on North Nice Road. The billboard was returned to its proprietor.”