UMass Lowell, which has enjoyed two of the most successful ice hockey seasons in its history, has extended the contract of head coach Norm Bazin ('94) through 2018, Director of Athletics Dana Skinner announced Wednesday.

Bazin, entering his third season at the University, has compiled a record of 52-24-3 in his first two seasons, including a 28-11-1 clip last year which included both the Hockey East regular season and tournament championships and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Frozen Four.

The extension is the second in as many years for Bazin, who earned his first on July 25, 2012, following a stellar debut season that saw the River Hawks go 24-13-1 and reach the NCAA Tournament.

"Strong leadership is required to achieve success on a consistent basis, and Norm has demonstrated in just two years at UMass Lowell that he is one of very best in the country at his job," said Skinner." He has established a new standard of competitive excellence while instilling all the intangibles needed to produce high-quality student-athletes."

Bazin was named the recipient of the 2013 Hockey East Bob Kullen Award for Coach of the Year for the second straight year and went on to capture the Spencer Penrose Award for Division I Coach of the Year.

Additionally, Bazin's impact has also carried over to the classroom: the team currently has a combined grade point average of 3.06 as 15 players have maintained a cumulative grade point average at or above a 3.000.

The team was the recipient of the Bob Griffin Award, presented to the UMass Lowell women's and men's teams with the top cumulative grade point average, for the sixth straight year at the Athletic Department Annual Senior Salute on May 13.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Chancellor (Marty) Meehan and Dana Skinner for their show of support in the direction of our hockey program," Bazin said. "The team, my staff and I have been able to accomplish a number of firsts last season and I'm thrilled to see them acknowledge those efforts. As an alumnus, I am proud of the growth I am seeing on our campus and I look forward to being part of that progress for many years to come."

Following an Oct. 5 exhibition game against McGill University, UMass Lowell opens the season at home Friday, Oct. 11 against Sacred Heart University; and Saturday, Oct. 12 in a non-conference clash against Massachusetts.

Season tickets are available by logging on to www.goriverhawks.com or by calling 978-934-4988.