UNH men’s hockey: Wildcats vs. No. 16 UMass Lowell matchups and notes

Joshua Shaw, Sports Writer
March 4, 2022

Preview

After five months of play, the regular season finally comes to a close for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats with a two-game set against the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

It’s a must-win weekend for the Wildcats. After falling short of a rally last Saturday and Boston College getting a victory on Sunday, suddenly home-ice is no longer a guarantee. The ‘Cats need home-ice to go far in the Hockey East tournament as they’re 9-5-1 at the Whittemore Center and 4-11-0 on the road. Luckily, the Wildcats are riding a three-game winning streak against the River Hawks dating back to the 2020-21 season.

Because of that and a Feb. 13 shutout, the River Hawks enter the weekend with vengeance on their mind. Since that loss, the River Hawks have slipped from No. 13 in the nation to No. 16 despite winning two of their last three.

Friday, Mar. 4th, 2022

University of New Hampshire Wildcats (14-16-1, 8-13-1) vs UMass Lowell (18-9-3, 13-8-1)

When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Whittemore Center, Durham, N.H.

Watch: College SportsLive.

Listen: WGIR 610 AM, WQSO 96.7 FM, WPKX 930 AM.

Saturday, Mar. 5th, 2022

University of New Hampshire Wildcats (14-16-1, 8-13-1) @ UMass Lowell (18-9-3, 13-8-1)

When: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Tsongas Center, Lowell, Mass.

Watch: College SportsLive.

Listen: WGIR 610 AM, WQSO 96.7 FM, WPKX 930 AM.

UNH lines vs Merrimack (Feb. 26)

Forwards

#26 Liam Devlin , #11 Jackson Pierson, #24 Robert Cronin.

#14 Tyler Ward, #16 Filip Engarås, #13 Nick Cafarelli

#25 Will Margel, #18 Harrison Blaisdell, #15 Chase Stevenson

#29 Joseph Cipollone, #9 Connor Sweeney, #12 Eric Esposito

Defensemen

#5 Will MacKinnon, #2 Drew Hickey

#28 Alex Gagne, #20 Colton Huard

#3 Ryan Verrier, #27 Luke Reid

#6 Lucas Herrmann

Goaltenders

#31 Mike Robinson, #41 David Fessenden

Key Players

UNH senior forward Tyler Ward has been leading the charge as of late. Over his last four games, Ward has tallied eight points and caught senior Jackon Pierson, tying both for the team lead with 23 points this season.

UNH senior goaltender Mike Robinson will aim to finish his collegiate career strong this weekend but has sailed through turbulent seas lately. While the UNH defense isn’t free from blame, 10 goals have passed Robinson’s crease over these last three games. That said, the senior dispatched the Riverhawks once already this season, making 32 saves in the 3-0 win.

Junior forwards Andre Lee and Carl Berglund have shouldered the load for Lowell this season. Lee is just ahead of his fellow countryman for the team lead with 23 points, yet, the junior’s 14 goals give him a healthy gap for the team lead.

Despite not getting the start when these two first met, the Riverhawks will presumably roll out senior goaltender Owen Savory. After a middling debut season, Savory has been stupendous, winning 17 games and posting a 1.87 GAA, a .926 save percentage, and four shutouts. Among all Hockey East goaltenders, Savory ranks fourth in wins, tied for third in save percentage and second in shutouts.