UMass Lowell hockey program bringing in a talented class of eight skaters

LOWELL Unlike some coaches, Norm Bazin isn’t a hype machine when it comes to incoming recruits.

In fact, the UMass Lowell hockey coach is the opposite. He’s taking a thoughtful approach, even if the future River Hawk arrives on campus with a long credential.

Despite this, Bazin is excited to welcome a freshman class of eight to Lowell. Rookies will arrive on campus in about three weeks to get used to their surroundings and start training for the 2023-24 season.

“I think it’s a work in progress,” he said. “I like that everyone brings something different. We needed scoring and we needed speed. Those are the two things we focused on. These are hard things to find.”

There are five forwards and three defenders in the class. There is only one European player, a bit of a departure from recent classes. As usual, the River Hawks, known for their heavy playing style, are growing. The three freshmen stand 6-foot-2.

Will it be a successful class?

“I’ll tell you in two years. It’s hard for guys to transition to college hockey,” Bazin said. “Some of these kids might surprise us.”

The River Hawks, who are coming off an 18-15-3 season that saw them advance to the Hockey East semifinals, also bring in three transfers.

Sophomore forward Nick Granowicz (University of Michigan), sophomore forward Alex Peterson (Holy Cross) and junior goalie Luke Pavicich (UMass) are expected to be key players next season.

Meet the incoming freshman class.

Jack Vaarwerk

Perhaps the gem of the class. The 6-foot, 181-pound native from East Amherst, NY enjoyed a successful season with Des Moines of the American Hockey League.

In 61 regular season games, he compiled a 13-32-45 line to lead Des Moines in scoring. His 45 points were 11 more than the closest teammate and he scored three points in two playoff games. In 2021-22, he scored 53 points in 56 games — and then exploded for 14 points in nine playoff games — for Jamestown in the North American Hockey League.

Bazin: “A gifted child who gets better as he gets older. A good skater. Good vision. He played in Des Moines and showed he could contribute.

Shawn O’Donnell

A speedy 5-10, 170-pound forward from Pittsburgh, O’Donnell played two seasons with the Dubuque Fighting Saints and gained valuable experience in North America’s top junior league.

O’Donnell scored four goals and 10 points in 49 regular season games. His ice time took a hit when he played on a team with several high-profile forwards. Fans enjoy his energetic style of play.

Bazin: “Grainy, two-way forward. Tenacious. He gives us that element.”

Jonathan Horn

Horn is a 6-foot-1, 187-pound forward from Southbury, Conn. He has played in several leagues across North America, from varsity (Hotchkiss) to the NAHL (he led El Paso with 45 points in 59 games). in the 2021-22 season) and then to the British Columbia Hockey League.

Horn compiled an 11-11-22 line for Wenatchee and Vernon, where he joined after a mid-year trade. He had a goal and an assist in eight playoff games.

Bazin: “We felt that he was a good skater and we took him along. His athleticism is a strength.”

Girts Silkalns

The lone European, Silkalns is a 6-foot-2, 189-pound forward from Talsi, Latvia. He skated in the USHL in his first season in North America, first with Des Moines (2-4-6 in 15 games) and then Fargo (8-16-24 in 40 games) after being traded.

He had a goal and an assist in nine playoff games as Fargo made a deep playoff run. Silkalns also has extensive play on the international stage representing Latvia, including World Junior tournaments.

Bazin: “He made an adjustment from Europe. He played in all situations. He has some size and can shoot.

Sean Kilcullen

The 6-foot, 190-pound defenseman from Kensington, Md., Kilcullen had a breakout season with the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears. He played three full seasons at Maryland and saved the best for last.

In 55 regular season games, he compiled an 8-35-43 line and his 43 points were the league’s fourth-highest total among defensemen. He had two goals and eight points in 10 playoff games. Only two defensemen had more points in the playoffs.

Bazin: “Sean had a very strong year. I wouldn’t describe him as an attacking defenseman, but he scored a lot. He reminds me of Zach Kamrass. Quiet and efficient.”

Adam Cardona

The Canadian, 6-foot-2, 196-pound defenseman grew up in Beaconsfield, Quebec. Cardona played at Kimball Union Academy before moving on to the USHL where he played 104 regular season games over the last two seasons.

After spending 2021-22 in Waterloo (3-5-8 in 42 games), he skated in Omaha last season and compiled a 5-13-18 line in 62 regular season games. He also collected 75 penalty minutes.

Bazin: “Tough defender with the ability to help on the offensive end. He has some size. Played for Tim Whitehead at Kimball Union and he liked him.

Ben Brunette

Brunette, a 6-foot, 192-pound defenseman from North Bay, Ont., joined a fully loaded Penticton team last season. Penticton won the BCHL championship and Brunette helped the title.

One season after an injury-riddled 2021-22 campaign with Waterloo of the USHL, Brunette got healthy and put together a successful season in British Columbia. He had 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists) in 40 regular season games and then added four assists in 17 playoff games.

Bazin: “He’s a skater. He’s someone we have to rein in at times, but he can skate. He is someone we took in at a young age. Now he’s ready to participate.”

Jaden Moriello

Moriello turned heads in his final season at Kimball Union, scoring 33 goals in 33 games for the coaching school powerhouse.

A powerful 6-2, 194-pound forward from Saugus, Massachusetts, the prospect shined in his first season in the BCHL with West Kelowna. Moriello continued to score north of the border, scoring in a scoring game (55 points in 54 games), making him the 14th leading scorer in the league. Among the rookies, he was the second best scorer. Moriello scored four goals in six playoff games.

Bazin: “He has hands. He had a good season. He is someone who helps out early in the offense. He can shoot the puck. He had a good season, more so at the end. I love local men.”