UML Rookies Playing Key Role in Team’s Success
The River Hawks’ rookie class of Ryan Blair, Todd Bartelson, Scott Campbell, Patrick Cey, Jason DeLuca and Maury Edwards has enjoyed a successful first half to the 2007-08 season.

Five of the six freshmen – Blair, Campbell, Cey, DeLuca and Edwards – have played in all 19 games for head coach Blaise MacDonald. Campbell leads the group in points (13), goals (6) and assists (7). Blair is the team-leader in plus/minus with a plus-12 rating.

Bartelson is the only member of the group to not see regular playing time, but has made the most of his opportunities. He tallied his first career goal in UML’s 4-3 victory over Boston University on December 7. The Pepperell, Mass. native has suited up in five games this season.

Edwards and Blair have skated as a defensive pair for the last 10 games, totaling nine points (1g, 8a) from the blue line during that time. For the season, Edwards has nine points on three goals and six assists, and is tied for the team-lead with four power play points. Blair has seven points on one goal and six assists. The duo has also played a key role in the UML defensive effort that ranks second in Hockey East in defense scoring (2.21 goals against per game).

Campbell has 10 of his 13 points over the last 11 games, and has seen continual improvement on his face off efficiency. Beginning on November 17, the date of his first career goal, Campbell has won 55.3% of his draws (110 of 199). In the first eight games of the season the Navan, Ont. native won just 38.3% of his face offs (44 of 115).

During the last 10 games, Campbell has centered UML’s most productive line with juniors Mark Roebothan and Mike Potacco. The trio has 34 points on 16 goals and 18 assists as a line. Campbell has recorded three straight multiple point games.

Patrick Cey has seven points (3g, 4a) on the season, including a two-assist performance on November 10 against Massachusetts. For the last 14 games, Cey has skated on a line with sophomores Ben Holmstrom and Kory Falite. The three has totaled 26 points (10g, 16a) during that time. Cey has six of his seven points as a member of the line.

Jason DeLuca was a late-summer addition to the roster, but has played well for the River Hawks as an energy, forechecking winger. DeLuca scored the game-winning goal in UML’s home opening, 4-1, win over Alabama Huntsville (10/26), and has five points on three goals and two assists on the season. He recorded his first multiple point game of the season in the River Hawks’ 6-0 victory over Maine in the championship game of the Florida College Classic on December 29.

As a group the ’07-08 freshman class combined for 42 points on 17 goals and 25 assists through 19 games. The 42 points accounts for 27% of the team’s offense.

Nevin Hamilton Named Hockey East Defensive Player of the Week
For the second time in three weeks Nevin Hamilton was named the Hockey East Pure Hockey Defensive Player of the Week. Hamilton made just one start on the week, but made it count totaling a career high 45 saves in UML’s 3-2 overtime victory over Providence on Saturday. The Ashland, Mass. native had to make 17 saves in the third period and two in overtime with the game tied.

Hamilton, who is a three-time member of the Hockey East Honor Roll, is 6-3-2 on the season with a 2.50 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 save-percentage in 11 starts on the season. The sophomore goaltender was named the league’s Rookie of the Week on December 3 after making 68 saves in two games against New Hampshire.

Who’s Hot:
Mark Roebothan (St. John’s, Nlfd.) leads the River Hawks with 18 points on 10 goals and eight assists and is riding a nine-game point streak. Roebothan has 13 points (7g, 6a) during the streak.

Scott Campbell (Navan, Ont.) has points in five of his last six games including three consecutive multiple point games. Campbell had two goals in the championship game of the Florida College Classic (Dec. 29), then recorded back-to-back goal/assist games against Providence (Jan. 11-12).

Nevin Hamilton (Ashland, Mass.) was named the Hockey East Pure Hockey Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after making a career-high 45 saves in UML’s 3-2 overtime victory over Providnece (1/12). Hamilton has won his last four starts.

Miscellaneous Notes
The River Hawks, ranked 15th in the nation, are 8-2-0 in their last 10 games…UML and PC split the weekend home-and home series and the season series (1-1-1)…Each game of the season series, and six of the last 11 meeting between Providence and UMass Lowell have gone to overtime…UML’s overtime victory Saturday was its first since January 15, 2006, also against Providence…Neither team was whistled for a penalty in Saturday’s game, the first time in UML history where no penalties were called in a game…UML’s line of Scott Campbell (2g, 2a), Mark Roebothan (1g, 2a) and Mike Potacco (1g, 2a) totaled 10 points (4g, 6a) in the two games against the Friars. In 10 games, the line has scored 34 points (16g, 18a).