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Seven consecutive wins is nice, but the number 18 in the nation UMass Lowell hockey team has tunnel vision.  Players and coaches are focused on one thing: the next game.
 
The River Hawks (11-7-1 / 5-6-1,) return to the Tsongas Center for the first time in the new year to host Hockey East rival Providence College (9-8-3 / 7-4-2) in a rare Thursday night game, (7:00pm,) in front of the faithful and the NBC Sports television cameras.  
 
“We try to emphasize the next contest because the past doesn't matter,” says Head Coach Norm Bazin.  “It's what's at hand that we are focused on; Providence, Thursday.”
 
It is the first of three meetings this season between the two clubs and much is on the line.  Providence sits in fourth place in the Hockey East standings, the final home ice playoff spot.  The hard charging River Hawks are sixth, five points back, with a game in hand.  The two teams will, also, finish out the regular season in March with a home-and-home series.
 
The last time these teams met, Providence eliminated the River Hawks from the Hockey East tournament winning the deciding third game of the opening round series, 1-0, with a smothering, physical defensive style of hockey.
 
“We've added some substantial size on the back end,” says Bazin, “and that should pay dividends against a bigger team.”
 
After a 4-7-1 start, UMass Lowell is, now, playing its best hockey of the season.  The club has won seven in a row and outscored their opponents 28-10 over that stretch.
 
“We're pleased, not surprised,” says Bazin.  “We feel we're a good hockey club, we feel we can win every single game we're in.  We have to prepare effectively, we have to be a very workman-like club, a very tenacious team.”
 
Sophomore forward Scott Wilson (Oakville, Ont.) has been one of the key contributors.  Named the Hockey East Association Player of the Week after scoring three goals and adding two assists during the two game series at Vermont, Wilson is on an 11 game stretch during which he has scored six goals and added 11 assists.
 
He credits his defensive work; “I've learned that it all starts in our own end,' says Wilson.  “Once you make the smart plays in your end, and make crisp passes, you're able to come up ice with speed and you get your chances in the offensive end.”
 
The River Hawk defense has also contributed to the offense.  After totaling just 9 points during the team's first 13 games, the blue line corps has scored six goals and added 15 assists during the last six games.
 
The coach points to team defense; “We have two solid goalies who can go any night.  Our forwards are helping out our defenseman and our defensemen are better for it,” says Bazin. “It's a domino effect.”
 
The bottom line for Bazin is good work habits.  “Good habits around the cage,” he says, “stopping at the net front, attacking the net, being predictable for their teammates on the defensive side and being vocal; communicating.”
 
The special teams have also been key contributors.  The power play hit the back of the net seven times in the last three games and the penalty killing unit has killed off 32 in a row over an eight game span.
 
History gives the visitors a slight edge.  Providence leads the all time series, 49-41-11.  The combatants split six meetings a year ago.  Seven of the last 14 have gone to overtime with each side claiming one victory.
 
            The game is also being promoted as “$3 Thursday.”  The first 15 hundred fans will receive a free “Code Blue” T-shirt.  Hot dogs, soft drinks, and popcorn are all being offered at three dollars each.
 
Tickets for all home games are available for public purchase. Game tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under). As always, UMass Lowell students receive free admission by scanning their ID as part of the Mission: All In campaign.
 
Tickets can be purchased at the Tsongas Center Box Office, which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. during the week. Fans can also purchase tickets online at TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780.
 
Season tickets will continue to be on sale through the River Hawk Marketing office and can be purchased by calling 978-934-4988.