It is still very early in the season for UMass Amherst Hockey with only 3 games played. An impressive 6-1 win in the exhibition opener over the Royal Military College of Canada gave some insight into the team this season. This was followed by good 6-1 and 3-1 wins over RPI. Their official record is now 2-0. But let's step back and look at where they are.
Head Coach, Greg Carvel, seems to know that a high profile college sport is much more than just good coaching. It is about the overall program. This includes scouting, student and fan communications, community relationships, relationships with businesses, and donors...essentially the whole package. This is what it takes to build a PROGRAM, and Coach Carvel seems to understand this and does it well. Over the years there have been a lot of good coaches at UMass, but the one that stands out to me is Hall of Fame Basketball Coach, John Calipari. He had the total package and the results showed it with an amazing win record, conference titles, a No.1 national ranking, and a Final Four appearance.
Yet coaching for UMass Hockey goes beyond the head coach, he has 3 excellent assistant coaches. In fact, I firmly believe it is one of the best combined coaching staffs in the nation. I have seen and watched Assistant Coach, Jared DeMichiel, and Associate Coach, Ben Barr, out at hockey venues scouting various teams and players. They have very good insight into what makes a good player and fit for UMass, and just as important, they relate to the kids, they are well liked and respected. This includes those already at UMass. Recently Coach Carvel has added (Volunteer) Assistant Coach, TJ Syner. TJ was a past star player for UMass and since that time has played excellent hockey with several pro teams, he is a real good player. His experience and background will, no doubt, bring help to the team.
Scouting, bringing good players to UMass has been excellent. Last season was a huge step forward with 11 very good freshmen players, now with a year under their belts as experienced sophomores. Combine this with 8 new freshmen, and they are good ones, along with 4 seniors and 3 juniors. It is a young, yet very solid team.
UMass Freshman, Anthony Del Gaizo
Goal vs. RPI in Win
Photo by Alfredo
There are many good players on the team, including the new freshmen class. Just to point out 2 excellent recruits are the Del Gaizo brothers, Anthony and Marc. The USHL is one of the best, if not THE best Junior Hockey League in North America. Older brother, Anthony DelGaizo, was selected as the Player of the Year in the USHL...a major, MAJOR recognition. He had 72 points last season for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Brother Marc, also with the Lumberjacks, not so bad either. As a defensive player he had 38 points. They are indicative of the types of players being recruited and drawn to UMass Hockey these days.
This coming Friday and Saturday, in Columbus, Ohio UMass will get their first big test with away games against #1 Ohio State. This will be a huge test, but I have the feeling that UMass will do well. We shall see.
The future looks good and very promising. Hockey is back at the Mullins Center...you can feel and sense the excitement. There is little question that the stands will be filled with cheering students and fans. The next home game at the Mullins Center in Amherst is on Friday, October 26 at 7:00 PM against Merrimack College. A chance to see some great D1 Hockey East play in Western Mass. See you at the game!
Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service
Sports News
Springfield / Chicopee MA 
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