AMHERST, Mass. - Six different Minutemen scored goals and freshman Chase Langeraap led all players with four points on a goal and three assists as UMass cruised past Trois Rivieres 6-0 on Sunday evening in an exhibition game at the Mullins Center Ice Rink. Goalies Dan Meyers and Paul Dainton combined for the shutout win for the Minutemen making nine and 16 saves, respectively. UMass will open the regular season next Friday at Clarkson and Saturday at St. Lawrence.
The game opened with a scoreless first period before the Minutemen put four power play goals and one short-handed goal on the scoreboard in the second period. UMass tacked on another goal in the third period to close out the scoring.
UMass held a 22-13 shot advantage going into the third, but the Patriotes outshot the Minutemen 12-6 in the third. Each team has seven power play opportunities with UMass converting four and killing off all seven of Trois Rivieres'.
Martin Nolet opened the scoring 1:13 into the second period. Just over five minutes later, senior captain Mike Kostka found the net. Langeraap, James Marcou and Cory Quirk each tallied goals in the period. Alex Berry scored in the third period for the only even-handed goal of the night.
Marcou finished the night with two assists as did Nolet and Will Ortiz. Berry, Kostka, and Chris Davis each added one.
The UMass defense looked sharp killing off all seven power plays including a 4-on-3 advantage to start the third that became a 5-on-3 rush for the Patriotes after a Minuteman penalty 14 seconds in the period.
UMass is coming off its best season ever after a 2007 trip to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The Minutemen will open the regular-season next weekend at Clarkson on Friday and St. Lawrence on Saturday.
UMass received votes in each of the two preseason national polls - USA Today/USA Hockey and USCHO.com/CSTV. In the Hockey East Preseason Coaches Poll, the Minutemen were picked to tie for fifth-place with Vermont. That is the highest preseason mark for UMass since 2003 when it was also picked fifth.
Tickets for the 2007-08 season are currently on sale with several different options. Season tickets are $150 for adults, $135 for faculty/staff and seniors (age 65+) and $100 for children age 18 and under.
The Breakaway Package (choose any 5 games for $50) and individual game tickets are also available now. Individual tickets are $15 for reserved seating; $12 for adult general admission, $10 for senior general admission; and $8 for kids general admission.
For season tickets and The Breakaway Package, fans should call 1-866-UMASS-TIX or stop by the Mullins Center Ticket Office. For individual games, fans can come to the box office but for phone orders must go through the Ticketmaster Charge by Phone service at 413-733-2500.