Oct. 22, 2010
Gametracker | Live Video | WUML Radio | Game Notes | Preview with coach MacDonald
UMass Lowell hosts Hockey East foe Providence College (1-2-0, 1-0-0 HE) in the newly renovated Tsongas Center tonight, at 7 p.m., for its 2010-11 home opener. Prior to puck drop, the River Hawks (0-1-2, 0-1-0 HE) will induct three new members to the Legends of Lowell: The Long Red Line.
Former greats Craig Charron ('90), Bob Kearin ('73) and Michael Murray ('94) will be honored in the pre-game ceremony, coinciding with the Third Annual Riley Reunion Night. A reception with family, friends and fans will recognize the players' contributions to the UMass Lowell hockey program and feature a video tribute produced by Bob Ellis.
The River Hawks trail in the all-time series with the Friars, 36-46-10. In particular, UMass Lowell is 14-21-7 at home against Providence and 7-9-2 in the Tsongas Center.
Despite the poor overall record, since coach Blaise MacDonald has taken over in 2001-02 the River Hawks are 9-2-1 against the Friars when scoring three or more goals.
Last time out, UMass Lowell got tangled in a 4-4 tie at RIT in the Blue Cross Arena in front of 10,556 fans. The River Hawks leveled the game with 1.3 seconds remaining in regulation on a Scott Campbell (Navan, Ont.) score through the goaltender's legs. In addition to Campbell, Riley Wetmore (Swanton, Vt.), David Vallorani (Hamilton, Ont.) and Michael Scheu (Buffalo, N.Y.) also tallied goals.
For the season, UMass Lowell's offense is led by Campbell and Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego, Calif.). The captain, Campbell, has two goals and an assist while Ruhwedel has three assists.
In an effort to create a powerful home-ice advantage tonight, students are invited to attend the Break the Record Rally at 3:30 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center. The rally will feature free food and entertainment before the students head to the Tsongas Center to break the arena's record for student attendance, set last season with 1,601.
Following tonight's game, the River Hawks will welcome Northeastern to Lowell for a Saturday showdown at 7 p.m.
