UMass Lowell's record as a whole isn't great coming off of last season. However certain players have thrived on an individual level and excelled at the pro level. 23 players five of which are goaltenders, have made it to the NHL and are UMass Lowell alumni. Three of which are currently active in the league. Most notably Winnipeg Jets Vezina Winner Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Every year each NHL team hosts a developmental camp. These camps provide fans access to typically their newly drafted prospects showing off the skills of the new guys in town. This season, we had two UMass alumni who were invited to NHL Development Camps.
Former captain for the 2023-2024 season Ben Meehan was invited to the Stanley Cup Winning Florida Panthers Camp. Meehan was well respected, and a fan favorite in his time at UMass Lowell. He had 10 goals, 41 assists, for 51 points in 110 games with the club, over his four colligate years. He looks to make a push for the pros this offseason.
19-year-old Lee Parks will be playing with UMass next season. The right winger is coming off an incredible season with Fargo Force of the USHL. Posting 58 points in just 62 games, he will be a huge asset to the club. He was invited to the Philadelphia Flyers Camp.
Just days ago we saw Filip Fornaa earn a contract with the Fort Wayne Comets of the ECHL. The 6'4 Sweden Native played with the RiverHawks through the past two seasons. Totaling 63 games played with the club, he had 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points over his two seasons.
Alternate Captain Nick Granowicz signed with the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL, just weeks following the end of the NCAA season. Where in just five games he had three goals. During his time with UMass Lowell he posted 44 points in 126 games. He looks to be back in the ECHL next season.
Another player to make the jump from the NCAA level to the ECHL level was Jake Stella. Another Captain from the 2023-2024 season, Stella had nine points in 29 games with UMass. Following his time he spent eleven games with Rapid City Rush of the ECHL, putting up three points. He is locked in to play in the HockeyAllsvenkan next season.
Lastly, former goaltender Gustavs Grigals who manned the RiverHawks net during the 2022-2023 season, signed with the Nashville Predators on a two-way contract. While he spent all but one game in the ECHL, he was able to crack at an AHL spot for one game last season. Keep an eye on the 25-year-old prospect.
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