Jan. 4, 2012

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Twelfth-ranked UMass Lowell hockey plays host to the Russian Red Stars on Thursday at 7 p.m. in an exhibition game at the Tsongas Center.

The River Hawks are 12-5-0 on the season and recently became the first Hockey East team to win the 19th annual Toyota UConn Hockey Classic. UMass Lowell has won seven of its last eight overall.

Last time out, UMass Lowell pulled out a 4-3 win in overtime against Connecticut to win the UConn Hockey Classic on a rebound score from senior David Vallorani (Hamilton, Ont.). Combined with Thursday's 7-2 defeat of Rensselaer, Vallorani finished the tournament with three goals and two assists to capture Most Valuable Player honors.

Also crowned the Hockey East Co-Player of the Week, Vallorani is now tied for the team-lead with 18 points on eight goals and 10 assists. Classmate Matt Ferreira (Brampton, Ont.) shares the lead with seven goals and 11 assists.

Goaltender Doug Carr (Hanover, Mass.) remains among the nation's elite, ranking first in winning percentage (.846), fourth in goals against average (1.89), tied for seventh in save percentage (.930), and tied for eighth in shutouts (2).

The Red Stars are a touring all-star squad comprised of elite players, ages 19-21, from the Minor Hockey League (MHL) in Russia. Playing in the final game of their US tour, the Red Stars have already faced five other NCAA teams, submitting a 1-4-0 record in those contests. Their lone victory came over the Vermont Catamounts, 6-1.

Following Thursday's game, UMass Lowell will rest up before traveling to Vermont on Jan. 13 for a one-game weekend.