April 16, 2009

LOWELL, Mass. - Former UMass Lowell defensemen Ron Hainsey was named to the United States roster for the 2009 World Championships, USA Hockey announced Wednesday.

The tournament will be played from April 24 through May 10 in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland.

This is Hainsey's first time in World Championships, but not his first experience with USA Hockey.

From 1997-99, Hainsey played for the United States National Team Development Program. He had nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 91 games for the U.S. Junior National Team.

Hainsey has also represented the United States at two World Junior Championships. He played for Team USA in the 2000 and 2001 tournaments. He had five assists for the 2001 team that finished fifth in the tournament.

Hainsey spent only two years at UMass Lowell, from 1999-2001, but left his mark on the program. He was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team as a freshman in 2000, and a Hockey East First Team All-Star in 2001. Hainsey was also named an All-American in 2001.

In March 2009, Hainsey was one of six players named to the UMass Lowell-Hockey East 25th Anniversary team.

The Montreal Canadiens made Hainsey the 13th pick in the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He remained at UMass Lowell for his sophomore season, but signed with the Canadiens after two seasons in Lowell.

The Bolton, Conn., native played 33 career games for Montreal, before moving on to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was in Columbus that Hainsey established himself as an everyday NHL player.

In two-plus seasons with the Blue Jackets, Hainsey totaled 83 points on 19 goals and 64 assists in 213 games.

Hainsey recently completed his first season with the Atlanta Thrashers. He had 39 points (6 goals, 33 assists) in 81 games.

Hainsey joins Craig Charron as the only former UMass Lowell players to be named to Team USA for the World Championships. Charron was named to the team in 1995.

The River Hawks finished 20-16-2 overall record in 2008-09. UML finished fifth in Hockey East with a 14-11-2 league mark. UMass Lowell advanced to the Hockey East championship game for the second time in program history in 2009.

For complete USA Hockey Release, and to see complete roster, follow link below:

http://www.usahockey.com/Template_Usahockey.aspx?NAV=TU_01_03&id=260856