Nov. 10, 2011
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UMass Lowell hockey visits Orono, Maine for a weekend set with the Black Bears beginning on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The River Hawks have lost five straight to Maine, dating back to the Hockey East playoffs in 2010. UMass Lowell trails the all-time series 29-74-3 and is 16-34-1 when playing in Orono.
The program has enjoyed some recent success against the Black Bears; from Jan. 30, 2009 to Mar. 12, 2010 the River Hawks were victorious in five-of-seven games , including the team's first ever season-sweep of Maine in 2009-10.
Last weekend, UMass Lowell (3-3-0, 1-2-0) stunned the then-12th ranked Boston University Terriers in the Tsongas Center with a 7-1 win in front of 4,980 fans. The River Hawks outshot Boston University 44-16 while receiving goals from Joseph Pendenza (Wilmington, Mass.), Scott Wilson (Oakville, Ont.), Daniel Furlong (Stoneham, Mass.), Terrence Wallin (Yardley, Penn.), David Vallorani (Hamilton, Ont.) and two by Derek Arnold (Foxboro, Mass.).
Wilson also recorded a pair of assists to capture Hockey East's Rookie of the Week honor. He currently leads all UMass Lowell freshmen with six points on two goals and four assists.
Pendenza and senior Matt Ferreira (Brampton, Ont.)are enjoying hot starts to their 2011-12 campaigns, tied for the team-lead with seven points (3g, 4a) each. Two of Ferreira's goals were game-winners, the first two of his career.
For the Black Bears, seniors Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ont.) and Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) lead the charge with 10 points each. Abbott has scored five goals and five assists, while Flynn has three goals and seven assists.
Flynn has presented a difficult opponent for the River Hawks over his career. In 12 games, the forward has amassed 18 points on nine goals and nine assists. In last year's season opener, Flynn scored five times against UMass Lowell to tie Maine's school record for goals in a game.
After Friday night's clash, the clubs will lace up the skates once again on Saturday to complete the weekend series. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. both nights.
