The Massachusetts hockey team started out its first weekend of formal practice with a 6-0 win against New Brunswick.
The Minutemen began the game a little out of sync as New Brunswick controlled play for most of the first period. When UMass got back into the groove of playing, senior Alex Berry scored 17 minutes, 5 seconds into the first period. UMass then picked up the pace and dominated play.
The offense continued to succeed, scoring three goals in the second period and added two tallies in the third.
"We were a little on our heels in the first 10 minutes," UMass coach Don Cahoon said. "I thought [New Brunswick] really carried the play. They had real good stick skills and they skated fairly well, they just didn't skate with us for the entire 60 minutes."
In the exhibition game, the Minutemen showed their speed, ability to get loose pucks and their capability of transitioning the puck. The Minutemen still have things to work on, despite outplaying their opponent.
"There were certain aspects of the game - situations in the game - that we didn't read very readily, that we didn't react to or respond to, which would be a natural thing at this point," Cahoon said.
Special Teams
The Minutemen scored five of their goals using special teams, an impressive statistic for a team that began formal practices that day.
Cahoon was surprised with his team's power play and how they moved the puck around successfully in the offensive zone. With quick passes and speed, the power-play lines scored four of the team's six goals.
"Our power play and penalty kill was up to par," co-captain Cory Quirk said. "That was good for us."
UMass' fifth goal came when Scott Crowder scored 18:48 into the second period when it was a man down. The penalty kill was successful in not allowing a goal, but Cahoon still considers that a weakness.
"[The penalty kill] is one of the areas where we broke down a little bit, situation wise. We haven't spent a lot of time on killing penalties in the little ice [time] that we've had," Cahoon said. "We've got a lot to work on in that area."
Cahoon used veterans to execute the penalty kill, besides freshmen defenders Michael Marcou and Matt Irwin. Using the veterans was in the Minutemen's favor because they used what they learned in previous years to limit the number of chances for New Brunswick despite being limited in practice.
Goaltenders
Having two returning goaltenders this season continues to benefit UMass. Sophomore Paul Dainton and junior Dan Meyers split time in goal on Saturday.
"[We've] got two good goaltenders right now, and that's a great place to be. They both made good saves at critical points in the game that really helped us out," Cahoon said.
Dainton started the game and was credited with the win after playing 30:24, while Meyers was in goal for 29:36. Dainton faced 12 shots and Meyers stopped nine.
"They both push each other in practice each day and they are getting better everyday," Quirk said.
Dominant line
The forward line of left wing Berry, center Quirk and sophomore right wing James Marcou combined speed and skill to score three of UMass' goals.
The chemistry between the three forwards is evident as they worked together in Saturday's game. The forward line began playing together last year and their experience in playing together has carried over to this season.
"It is just about knowing each other. I think that helps a lot once you know who you are playing with and their tendencies and all that," Quirk said.
The Minutemen take the ice again this weekend at the Ice Breaker Tournament in Boston. They will face off against Michigan State on Friday and North Dakota on Saturday.
Melissa Turtinen can be reached at mturtinen@dailycollegian.com.
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