The University of Maine Black Bears learned late last week that sophomore forward Carlos Amestoy decided to head north to continue his career. The 19-year-old only appeared in 15 games in two seasons recording no points.
As junior defenseman Mike Cornell pointed out in his tweet, this appears to be a case of a fresh start needed for Amestoy. Amestoy is a scorer as his stats indicate from the Toronto Junior Canadiens of the OJHL two years ago as he had 22 goals and 27 assists in 49 games.
He was originally drafted by the Guelph Storm in the eighth round of the 2008 OHL Draft. His rights were traded on Friday to the Saginaw Spirit for a fourth, seventh, and a ninth round draft picks. In three games this weekend he recorded no points.
As his former teammates, it was a tough weekend for the Black Bears. They got swept by the UMass-Lowell River Hawks 5-3 on Friday and 4-3 on Saturday. On Friday, sophomore goaltender was pulled early on as allowing three quick goals while on Saturday, Dan Sullivan gave up four goals in the third period.
I think by this time of the year, you want to know who your number one goaltender is, but the Black Bears have found no consistency from that position.
Boston College
After escaping a 2-1 victory on Friday against Northeastern, the Eagles laid a complete egg on Sunday against their arch rival Boston University, losing 5-0 on Sunday. With the loss they fell to third in the latest USCHO.com top 20 poll.
Merrimack
They continue to roll as they survived a close one on Friday night against Boston University 3-2 in overtime. Justin Mansfield, Brandon Brodhag, and Connor Toomey each scored their first goals of the season for the Warriors. They are the lone team that’s still undefeated in the country.
Providence
The Friars swept the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers 3-0 on Friday and 4-2 Saturday night. Tim Schaller had a four point weekend, while Chris Rooney, Kevin Hart, and Derek Army each had two points on the weekend.
New Hampshire
They continue to earn points as they tied Vermont on Saturday, 4-4. Stevie Moses had a goal and two assists in the contest. They have moved up to fourth in the Hockey East standings after being in the bottom tier to start the season.
Boston University
The Terriers earned three points this weekend as they lost to Merrimack Friday night in overtime. As I mentioned last week, you have to throw out the records when BU and BC get together. They got two goals from Wade Megan and a goal and assist from Alex Chaisson in Sunday’s game. Like New Hampshire, lets see if BU can steady the ship.
UMass-Lowell
As I expected this weekend, they were going to score goals, but I didn’t expect them to win. Junior Forward Riley Wetmore had three goals this weekend while Scott Wilson had two goals on the weekend.
Massachusetts
The Minuteman took care of business on Friday night against Holy Cross as they won 7-2. Conoe Allen had the hat trick while Michael Pereira and Michael Marcou each had a goal and an assist. They are in a three way tie for sixth place in Hockey East standings with Maine and UMass-Lowell.
Northeastern
The Huskies gave Boston College all they can handle in the 2-1 loss to the Eagles. Cody Ferriero gave Northeastern the early 1-0 lead on his first goal of the game. As I said about goaltender Chris Rawlings, he will keep Northeastern in games against the best of the best.
Vermont
They are still looking for their first win in Hockey East, but getting a point against New Hampshire is a good building point as they tied it up with 1:20 remaining in the game. H.T. Lenz got the tying goal as it was his second of the game and second of the season. Anders Franzon also had two assists in the game.
Four Stars of the Week
Freshman of the Week: Scott Wilson (UMass-Lowell) He had a goal and an assist Friday night and a goal Saturday as the River Hawks went up to Orono and swept the Black Bears.
Sophomore of the Week: Conor Allen (Massachusetts) The defenseman had had a hat trick in the Minuteman’s 7-2 victory over Holy Cross. He also picked up an assist Saturday night against Northeastern
Junior of the Week: Wade Megan (Boston University) As mentioned above he sparked the offense in the big time win over Boston College.
Senior of the Week: Stevie Moses (New Hampshire): He had a goal and two assists in the tie against Vermont.
Hockey East teams in the USCHO.com Top 20 Poll: 2. Merrimack 3. Boston College 16. Boston University Others in consideration UMass-Lowell, New Hampshire.
Predictions: 5-4-1 on the weekend; 23-12-5 on the season