Game Time: Union vs. UMass-Lowell: Elite Eight

In many ways, the UMass-Lowell River Hawks mirror the Union Dutchmen. The River Hawks entered Division I play in Hockey East in the 1984-1985 season. The Skating Dutchmen went DI in 1991-1992. (They dropped the "Skating" part of their moniker after the '01-'02 campaign). The River Hawks have a first year head coach, Norm Bazin. Rick Bennett won ECAC coach of the year in his first behind the bench. Both are. looking for their first Division I Frozen Four appearance. The River Hawks last appeared in the tournament in 1996. Union fans need no reminder that yesterday's win over Michigan State was the first DI NCAA Tournament victory in program history. But while UMass-Lowell posted a miserable 5-25-4 record last season, the Dutchmen won the Cleary Cup and advanced with their first NCAA bid.

Either way, as ESPN's John Buccigross sums it up the spirit of the thing nicely:

While I don't quite get the #oldyeller hashtag, these are two teams that appear to be sleepers, at least on the national scale.

Dutchmen fans will rightly argue that their squad should not be considered a sleeper team. Aside from Barry Melrose's endorsement, Union has put together two consecutive campaigns to remember, topping off (so far) at a record #3 ranking in the national polls. But Cinderella story? I'll take it. Whatever gets us more hockey like we saw yesterday, I'll take it.

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Doug Carr

• Our buddy Dan Greene provides an excellent preview of both UMass-Lowell and Ferris State (Cornell's next opponent). Check it out, he has all you need to know. Dan writes:

The River Hawks were one of the hottest teams in the nation in the earlier half of the season, but cooled off heading into the NCAA's. In their previous 10 games heading into Bridgeport, Lowell went 4-5-1, with only one of those wins coming against a team in the tournament field.

Cole Ikkala

• Watch for Junior Riley Wetmore, last night's hero against Miami. He led the River Hawks in scoring this season to a tune of 14 goals and 25 assists. The Vermont native packs a punch offensively. Union has had their hands full in recent games holding potent players in check: Austin Smith, Danny Biega, Torey Krug. Expect the Dutchmen to come in with a solid defensive game plan.
• Scott Wilson and Derek Arnold (freshman and sophomore, respectively) are second and third on the team in scoring. UMass can put pucks in the net.
• Come tourney-time, goalies can steal the show. While Doug Carr's 2.10 GAA is higher than Troy Grosenick's, the River Hawks keeper sports a very good .929 SV%. Union players were wowed by his mobility and fantastic saves yesterday; he'll be a big obstacle. 
• Union's Jeremy Welsh is getting even more exposure than usual, and deservingly so. Aside from several NHL scouts in attendance yesterday, Welsh has commanded a captivated audience. His goal yesterday padded his single season scoring record, while proving that below the hashmarks, there may not be a more dangerous player. We saw this in the ECAC Championship game: when Welshie needs to, he can use his explosiveness and power-forward instincts to change the game.
• We all know about Troy Grosenick, Hobey Baker finalist and his game-saving glove stop late in the third. He'll be back between the pipes tonight. 
• But also keep an eye on the less-heralded players for the Dutchmen, namely the "energy line" of Cole Ikkala, Max Novak, and Sam Coatta. Coach Bennett will deploy his fourth line strategically to add some physicality and speed. But this line is fourth in name only; Union's depth is part of its recipe for success. 
• Last night's game was decidedly chippy; Jake Chelios (father, Chris Chelios) was tossed early for a dangerous hit from behind. All night long, the Spartans bruised and scrapped with the Dutchmen. It was hard to remember a game with more nastiness from an opponent. The Dutchmen need be ready to ward off the physical game once more. 
• UMass-Lowell will undoubtedly try to break down Union's strong defense. Expect them to try to cycle the puck along the half boards and tire out the Dutchmen in their own zone. Union will have to counteract any aggressiveness with levelheadedness; they cannot afford to take excess penalties. 

Follow Along 

• Follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates. We'll be back with lines.  And of course, follow Union Hockey and Ken Schott.
• The game will be telecast on ESPNU.
• Listen (local to Schenectady) on AM 1160 and 1240. Otherwise, listen online here.

More updates to come.