The UMass Lowell ice hockey team lost 5-2 to No. 19 Massachusetts on Saturday night, despite a comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. The River Hawks now hold a record of 10-18-0 overall and 6-12 in Hockey East play, while Massachusetts improved to 17-11-0 overall and 10-8 in conference games.
Freshman Josh Mori scored one goal and added an assist for the River Hawks, marking a two-point night. Sophomore Libor Nemec contributed the team’s second goal. Junior Jak Vaarwerk notched two assists during his 100th career game, and sophomore Dominic Payne recorded one assist.
On defense, freshman David Adaszynski led with three blocked shots, followed by freshman Diego Buttazzoni with two blocks. Five other players each registered one blocked shot. In net, freshman Austin Elliott started the game and made 16 saves before senior Samuel Richard took over in the third period and stopped nine shots.
Head Coach Norm Bazin commented after the game: “The more urgent team won. Last night I thought that was the case also, but tonight, certainly they were the better team.”
The first period saw Massachusetts take an early lead with goals at 5:01 and 5:29. A third Minutemen goal was overturned following a successful challenge by UMass Lowell for goalie interference. The River Hawks responded when Mori’s slapshot deflected off a Massachusetts player into the net at 13:32, cutting the deficit to one.
In the second period, Nemec tied the game at 11:13 after receiving a pass from Vaarwerk in front of the net. Massachusetts regained their lead at 15:32 to make it 3-2 heading into the final period.
During the third period, Massachusetts extended its lead with a shorthanded goal at 1:58. UMass Lowell created several chances on a power play midway through the period but could not convert. Freshman Cole Lonsdale had opportunities late in regulation as well as during an empty-net situation, but no further goals were scored by UMass Lowell before Massachusetts sealed their win.
UMass Lowell will next travel to Vermont for a road series scheduled for February 13 and 14.
