Tyler Cote
Connector Staff

Success over the years has become a norm for UMass Lowell, for the River Hawks have won two consecutive Hockey East titles. With a successful team comes a band of players that unite to strive toward a common goal, championships.

  While the team strives for excellence, some River Hawks take the next step in their hockey careers, either to the NHL, playing professionally overseas or continuing to improve their talents in development leagues with the hope of having a professional career.

There are currently 29 River Hawk alumni in total playing in such leagues; a few are worth noting as they continue to carry the UML winning tradition to the pro ranks.

    Currently under contract with the Carolina Hurricanes through the 2016-2017 season, Ron Hainsey was drafted 13th overall by the Montreal Canadians. A highly coveted defenseman, Hainsey posted an impressive 36 points in his final season in Lowell before moving on the play for Montreal’s AHL team. He made it to the NHL the next season and stayed with Montreal till the 2005 season when he took his talents to Columbus.

Since Columbus, Hainsey has played for the Atlanta Thrashers, Winnipeg Jets, and his current team, the Carolina Hurricanes. Coming off a strong season, he continues to man the Carolina defense and will for years to come, making River Hawk nation proud.

  The River Hawk goalie from 2006-2010, Carter Hutton, had an impressive career at the Tsongas, however went undrafted following his senior season. With the ambition of becoming a professional, he was signed by four different organizations over the course of four years before making it into NHL with the Blackhawks for one game in the 2012-2013 season.

The following season brought good fortune to the goalie, for the Nashville Predators signed Hutton through the 2015-2016 season. Starting 40 games last season, he posted a .910 save percentage, and a 20-11-4 record in net. Hutton will be between the posts for the Predators this coming NHL season.

  In this coming season, there are a number of former River Hawks that could find their way onto the NHL stage for the first time. Christian Folin made an appearance with the Minnesota Wild last year and is currently under contract with the team. The defenseman is in a battle to make the opening day roster.

Most notably is the late goaltender who decided to forgo his senior season and sign a three year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, Connor Hellebuyck. Although he seems far down on the depth chart, Hellebuyck’s raw talent and comfort in net is very promising for Winnipeg’s future and the Jets’ front office is ecstatic to have him in the organization.

River Hawk nation is slowly taking over the NHL and leagues oversees, as the talent continues to exceed itself each year. This coming season will be a test to the River Hawks, for three consecutive titles in the toughest conference is always a daunting task.

Although the players in the NHL today are wearing their respected team sweaters, we will always be United in Blue.