It was an exhibition game but you could get a sense of the potential of the UMass Amherst Hockey Team for the 2018-19 Season. They look good! In a 6-1 convincing win over the Royal Military College of Canada, now sophomore and former Cathedral High star, Johnny Leonard, picked up where he left off last season as the teams top scorer as a freshman. He had 2 assists in the first period, and a goal in each of the 2nd and 3rd periods for a total of 4 points for the game. UMass showed a lot of balance, good defense, and 2 goals in each of the 3 periods for a total of 6 goals. Defensive sensation Cale Makar, back for his 2nd year as a sophomore, contributed 2 assists in the win.
UMass Johnny Leonard
2 Goals, 2 Assists in the Win
Photo by Alfredo
Freshman defenseman Marc Del Gaizo scored his first career goal for UMass as he started the scoring in the first period. Marc has a twin brother, on the team, freshman forward Anthony Del Gaizo who are part of still another excellent recruiting class for the Minutemen. Credit to Head Coach Greg Carvel, and Coaches Ben Barr, and Jared DeMichiel, who are one of the best combined coaching staffs in the country.
Next weekend they get their first test against Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) on Friday, October 12th at 7:00 PM at the Mullins Center in Amherst. RPI is also in a building program under Head Coach, Dave Smith, attempting to bring back the glory years of RPI Hockey, that included National Championship Teams. Smith is in his 2nd year after 12 good years at D1 Canisius College in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. I had a chat with him back a couple years ago and one of the things I remember...he likes SIZE. So expect a strong physical game.
UMass plays AT RPI on Saturday, then the following week they are off to back to back away games at nationally ranked Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. After next weekend we should get a good early impression as to where they stand.
UMass plays AT RPI on Saturday, then the following week they are off to back to back away games at nationally ranked Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. After next weekend we should get a good early impression as to where they stand.
It should be a good one! The Mullins Center is an excellent, fan friendly arena to watch a game, not cold, very comfortable with good lighting and comfortable seating. Hockey is definitely back at the Mullins Center...hope to see you at the game next Friday!
Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service
Sports News
Springfield / Chicopee MA 
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