UMass hockey, boy, it sure has come a long way, hasn’t it? Back when I was younger, I didn’t know much about the sport, but now, things have changed. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news, you’d know that UMass, that’s the University of Massachusetts, has been making waves in the world of college hockey. In August of 2021, they got themselves a real nice honor – named the top developmental program in NCAA Men’s College Hockey by The Hockey News. Now, that’s somethin’ to be proud of!
The team’s been workin’ hard, you see. Their big moment came when they played St. Cloud State. They didn’t just win, no sir! They beat ’em good, with a 5-0 shutout. That’s right, a complete blank, nothing! And that earned them the 2021 Division I Men’s Hockey NCAA Championship. I don’t know much about hockey, but I know that’s a big deal. I’ve heard folks sayin’ they were unstoppable that day, and I believe ‘em.
Now, you might be wonderin’, what makes UMass hockey so special? Well, let me tell ya. It’s not just about winning that national title, though that’s a mighty fine accomplishment. The team has been on a roll since then. Last year, in 2022, they were named Hockey East Champions. Now, that’s a big ol’ achievement in itself! And don’t think they’re just sittin’ back and relaxin’ after all these wins. Oh no, they got their eyes set on more. Head coach Greg Carvel, well, he ain’t lettin’ ‘em get too comfy. He’s all about the future, about repeatin’ that success again and again.
When you look at UMass hockey’s history, it’s clear they’re buildin’ somethin’ strong. In fact, their win in 2021 was the first-ever NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey championship for the Minutemen. Can you believe that? They finished that season with a 20-5-4 record, the fewest losses for any NCAA Champion since Maine’s 40-1-2 season back in 1992–93. That’s impressive, if you ask me.
But it ain’t all just about the men’s team. Over at UMass Boston, the field hockey team’s been doin’ some impressive things too. They were part of the Atlantic 10 and had themselves a historic run. Even though they lost 2-1 to Saint Joseph’s in the A-10 Championship Final, they sure put up a good fight. And now, UMass Boston’s addin’ women’s field hockey to their roster. I reckon they’re lookin’ to follow in the footsteps of their big brothers across the river.
All in all, UMass hockey, whether it’s the men’s team or the field hockey folks, has been doin’ real good. They got themselves a reputation to protect now. The future’s lookin’ bright, and it seems like they ain’t goin’ anywhere anytime soon.
Tags:[UMass Hockey, NCAA Hockey, UMass National Championship, Greg Carvel, Hockey East, UMass Minutemen, NCAA Ice Hockey, St. Cloud State, UMass Boston Field Hockey, Atlantic 10 Championship]