UMass Hockey Prepares for Family Weekend Games

Strategic Insights -

The Massachusetts hockey team is set to begin Hockey East play against Northeastern, kicking off the first of two family weekend games. The Minutemen are 3-0 this season, having swept Northern Michigan and won against Stonehill. In their first five games, they won't face a ranked opponent, a first for head coach Greg Carvel's tenure. The team has benefited from a gradual introduction to the pace of college hockey due to the schedule, allowing five freshmen to adjust.

Key Takeaways:

  • UMass hockey team is 3-0 in the season, with a sweep of Northern Michigan and a 4-1 win over Stonehill.
  • The Minutemen could start their season 4-0 for the first time since the 2009-2010 season with a win over Northeastern.
  • Five freshmen have been integrated into the lineup, allowing for a gradual adjustment to the pace of college hockey.
  • Head coach Greg Carvel believes the schedule has helped his team work its way into Hockey East play.
  • Minutemen newcomers Vaclav Nestrasil and Jack Galanek have played well together, having previously played in the United States Hockey League for the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
  • Northeastern split its first two games, beating Holy Cross 6-4 and losing to Army 2-1.
  • Bentley has lost several key players from last season, but head coach Andy Jones is still confident in his team.
  • UMass and Northeastern have a history of split series, with both teams shutting out the other in their away game last season.
  • The games against Northeastern on Friday, Oct. 17, and Bentley on Saturday, Oct. 18, can be streamed on ESPN+.

Statistics:

  • UMass has outshot Northern Michigan 116-58 this season.
  • The Minutemen have won three games this season.
  • Northeastern has lost top scorers Cam Lund and Jack Williams to AHL call-ups, but Dylan Hryckowian has returned with three points.
  • Bentley has dropped its first two games of the season in a Western road trip.

Sources:

  • "UMass hockey prepares for family weekend games" by Myles Donato, Collegian Staff, October 15, 2025
  • "UMass hockey holds off Bentley 5-4 in season-opening victory" by Myles Donato, Collegian Staff, October 2024