LOWELL, Mass.— UMass Lowell Hockey Head Coach Norm Bazin officially named the River Hawks' leadership core for the upcoming season, announcing the four-man crew Tuesday morning.
Graduate student Jon McDonald (Livonia, Mich.) and senior Carl Berglund (Hammaro, Sweden) will both sport the 'C' this year, while seniors Blake Wells (Blackie, Alberta) and Zach Kaiser (Orangeville, Ontario) will serve as alternate captains.
"I've seen [McDonald and Berglund] grow up over the past few years. They have both been impact players since their arrival and both strive to improve every day despite their success," remarked Bazin on his captains.
Returning for a fifth year, McDonald has been an important fixture on the River Hawks' blueline during his career. An alternate captain as a senior, McDonald dressed for all 35 games last season and played a pivotal role in the team's journey to its 14th NCAA Tournament appearance.
"Mac is so good for our team culture, having been a leader for us for the past couple of years. He has an undeniable will to succeed and has a knack for bringing others along with him in a very positive way," commented Bazin. "His enthusiasm for the program is infectious, and we are lucky to have him. He is ready for a big year."
With 110 games under his belt and 42 career points off seven goals and 35 assists, the veteran defenseman is poised to cap his career on a high note.
"To be named captain of this program is a great honor and a personal goal of mine from the time I committed," said McDonald. "I have seen many different leadership styles throughout my tenure and have been fortunate enough to learn from all of them. I'm excited for a year of growth, both as a team and as individuals."
Berglund, UMass Lowell's leading scorer in 2021-22, has been a critical playmaker for the River Hawks over the course of the last three seasons thanks to both his offensive production and hockey IQ. His penchant for timely plays made him a valuable asset up the middle during his junior season, amassing a career-best 28 points off a career-high 19 assists and nine goals.
"Carl is someone who continues to grow both physically and mentally within the program. His progress as a person is impressive. I would say he leads by example, but has shown tremendous assertiveness this past summer," noted Bazin. "His habits are exemplary and his impact is felt daily. He will be leaned on as we welcome a big freshman class this upcoming season."
A two-time Hockey East All-Academic selection and a 2022 Hockey East All-Star Third Team selection, Berglund hopes to continue being a catalyst both on and off the ice for the River Hawks.
"It's a huge honor to be named one of the captains for this year. It means a lot knowing that your teammates and coaching staff believe in you and trust you with this role," stated Berglund. "I have learned a lot from previous captains, which will help me take on this role. We have a lot of great leaders this season, and we will lean on the great culture that has been developed for many years within the program."
No stranger to wearing the 'A', Wells and Kaiser assume the roles of alternates after serving as monthly alternate captains during the 2021-22 season. Gritty competitors, the pair has provided energy and guidance on the ice and in the locker room for the team in their three years.
"Both are high-character guys who have led our team off the ice this summer. Blake has persevered through injuries, while remaining very positive," said Bazin about the seniors. "Zach continues to set the bar on what it means to be a glue guy within our program. We are fortunate to have these guys in support roles, as we battle in a tough Hockey East conference."
UMass Lowell opens the year on Saturday, October 1, when they welcome St. Lawrence to the Tsongas Center for Homecoming Weekend. Puck drop is slated for 6:05 p.m.
