LOWELL, Mass – The No. 4 ranked UMass Lowell Hockey team has now led Hockey East in attendance for the second straight season, averaging a school-record 5,757 fans per game in its 50^th Anniversary season, which ranks eighth nationally in NCAA Div. I men's ice hockey.

A total of 86,353 fans saw the River Hawk play this season in 15 contests at the Tsongas Center. In the final six home games at the Tsongas Center, the River Hawks drew 6,000+ fans for each of those games for the first time in team history.

"We are thrilled that we led the league in attendance for the second consecutive season," said UMass Lowell Hockey Head Coach Norm Bazin. "It's a real credit to the people of Lowell and the surrounding Merrimack Valley communities that support UMass Lowell Hockey. We are fortunate to have such great fans and look forward to seeing them continue set new attendance records."

UMass Lowell was the only team in Hockey East to average over 5,000 fans per game and led the second place team by more than 800 fans per game. 

In league play, the River Hawks averaged 5,875 fans per game for 11 home dates, which equates to a total of 64,621 fans that saw Hockey East games in the 6,000-seat arena.

The 50^th Anniversary season at the Tsongas Center featured promotions and events, highlighted by the five All-Era teams and collector's pint glass series. The River Hawks were able to bring back over 20 All-Era honorees and over 100 hockey alumni over the course of the season. The team also saluted legendary coach Billy Riley with a night in his honor and foam cowboy hats, plus the throwback 50^th Anniversary Jerseys on-ice and as a giveaway.