Editor's note: NESN.com will preview each Hockey East school this week.
One of the league's hardest working players while with the Riverhawks from 1990-94, Norm Bazin returns to his alma mater of UMass-Lowel with tough work ahead of him. Bazin is hoping to pull Lowell up from the bottom of the Hockey East standings and into contention in 2011-12.
Record/finish in 2010-11
4-21-2 (10 points)
Tenth in Hockey East
Failed to qualify for Hockey East Tournament
Key 2010-11 stat
Lowell had difficulty finding someone suitable to play between the pipes, and it showed. The Riverhawks finished last in the league in GAA (3.78), did not record a shutout and allowed their opponent to score two goals or more in every game except one.
Player to watch in 2011-12
Junior Riley Wetmore had a breakout campaign last season, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists after posting 15 points as a freshman. As the Riverhawks’ top goal scorer a year ago, Wetmore will be counted on to find the back of the net with consistency again this season, especially as a captain.
Coach's quote
"The depth of our league is second to none. The bottom and the top can be very similar on any night. I think because of that, the league is so strong in as far as the country. It's going to be very exciting to be a part of that and compete against the elite of the country."
–Norm Bazin.
Outlook
First year head man Norm Bazin will look to change the fortunes for Lowell, which finished dead last in the league. Wetmore and senior David Vallorani (8-15-23) will carry the offense, but settling on a goaltender will be the most important task. A new system and fresh start will be good for the Riverhawks, but not enough to bring them out of the Hockey East basement.
