River Hawks Geared Up and Ready for 2026-27 Season
10/8/2026 2:00:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
The UMass Lowell ice hockey team, coming off a 13-22-0 record in 2025-26, is back and ready to kickstart the 2026-27 campaign. The season begins with a two-game homestand on October 9 and 10 against Clarkson and St. Lawrence at the Tsongas Center. Head Coach Norm Bazin enters his 16th season at the helm, as he and the River Hawks are eager to get back to game action and compete.
There is excitement, anxiousness, anticipation. Just a lot of emotions as we start this journey together.Head Coach Norm Bazin
The team returned to Lowell in August and immediately got to work, with opening weekend in mind. As eager as they are to get back on the ice, the work begins in the summer as the River Hawks learn the systems, build chemistry and prepare both their minds and bodies for the season ahead.
The offseason has gone really well. We've had a bunch of opportunities to do team gatherings, get to know the new guys, and just bring them in and show them what it's like to be a student-athlete here.Senior Alternate Captain Sean Kilcullen
All the hard work and training of the offseason comes to a head at the annual Blue vs. White scrimmage, where the team faces off against each other in a game-like environment just days before the season opener. More than just a final tune-up, the scrimmage serves as a reminder that opening night is right around the corner.
There's just a feeling of excitement around the locker room. Especially with it being my fourth year here, I am just anxious to play and the team around me is super good. This is one of the closest groups I think we have had in a while. It makes me super excited to start playing.Senior Captain Jak Vaarwerk
Despite losing a group of key performers from last year’s roster, the team strengthened itself with 10 newcomers, including six freshmen, three transfers and one player with professional ECHL experience. The River Hawks also return three of their top five point-getters from last season in senior Jak Vaarwerk, junior Chris Delaney and sophomore Dalyn Wakely. Vaarwerk (7g, 13a) and Delaney (3g, 17a) finished tied for second on the team with 20 points last year, while Wakely was just behind them with 19 points on seven goals and 12 assists, tying for fourth on the team in his first collegiate season. With a new-look roster, the River Hawks will lean on their returning leaders and experienced players to help guide the team both on and off the ice.
It definitely means a lot to be a leader here. Being a senior here, learning from past captains, it is definitely a big honor and I am looking to be a good influence for our team.Senior Alternate Captain Sean Kilcullen
The group of newcomers has made an immediate impression throughout their transition to UMass Lowell and the collegiate level. While the offseason is a time to prepare on the ice, it is also a chance for the team to spend time together, build chemistry and grow closer as a group before the season begins.
I think the newcomers have transitioned pretty well. They've tried to lean on the returners and upperclassmen and we've all been reaching out to them and helping them with any questions they have.Senior Alternate Captain Sean Kilcullen
The older guys have done an exceptional job of making the newcomers feel comfortable and I think they do feel comfortable. We've got a great faculty here so the classes have been seamless, but most importantly, they are really having an impact in the early-season practices and making sure that they do add something to the team right away.Head Coach Norm Bazin
Leading the team this year as captains will be Captain Jak Vaarwerk, along with three alternate captains, senior Sean Kilcullen, junior Libor Nemec and sophomore Josh Mori.
The leadership group is starting off on the right foot. We feel very confident that those are the right guys to help lead this team, so we're excited to give them that opportunity.Head Coach Norm Bazin
Vaarwerk is entering his fourth year at UMass Lowell, and the ironman has yet to miss a game in the blue, white and red. Last season, he set career highs in all three major statistical categories, recording seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points, including a career-high two game-winning goals.
Kilcullen had a breakout season for the River Hawks last year as a junior, playing in 34 of the team’s 35 games and setting career highs with three goals and six assists for nine points. The defensive force also finished third on the team with 34 blocked shots.
Nemec has been an impact forward for the River Hawks since his freshman season in 2024-25. The 6-foot-3 forward played in all 35 games last season, tallying three goals and a career-high 12 assists for 15 points.
Mori shined in his first collegiate season last year, leading all freshman defensemen with 12 points on four goals and eight assists. He also recorded three multi-point games, including two assists at New Hampshire on November 8, two goals against Massachusetts on February 1 and two assists at Vermont on February 14.
2026 Schedule
UMass Lowell Hockey
The 2026-27 schedule consists of 34 total regular-season games against opponents from three different conferences, including Hockey East. The upcoming campaign also marks the 60th season of UMass Lowell Hockey.
The first four games of the season will come outside of Hockey East play, beginning with opening weekend against Clarkson and St. Lawrence before the River Hawks welcome Arizona State to the Tsongas Center for a two-game homestand on October 16 and 17. The team will also face non-conference opponents Colgate (Oct. 30 & 31), Union (Nov. 13), RPI (Nov. 14) and Princeton (Jan. 1 & 2).
This season, the 21 scheduled home dates are tied for the most in a single season in program history. UMass Lowell also played 21 home games in 2014-15, including 17 regular-season games, three Hockey East playoff contests and one exhibition game. With another full slate of games at the Tsongas Center, the players and coaching staff are excited for the opportunity to play in front of River Hawk Nation throughout the season.
Playing in front of our fan base is super exciting. I think they're a seventh man and they give us an edge when we need it. It's just an exciting atmosphere when the band is involved and the students are involved, it's such an extra bonus.Head Coach Norm Bazin
The fans are great. They always bring the energy. We have opportunities to meet them during team gatherings and we always appreciate their support.Senior Alternate Captain Sean Kilcullen
That first game is just so cool to be a part of. You walk out and it's filled to the max and all the people are excited to come watch. I was telling all the new guys, 'it's sick' and it really is sick to come out there and it's fully packed and you're hearing the music, skating around, seeing the little kids on the boards. It truly is something special here and that's why Lowell is Lowell.Senior Captain Jak Vaarwerk
