GAMEDAY | SFU closes out 2024 against #10/8 ranked UMass–Lowell

LOWELL, MA – The SFU Red Leafs hockey program will finish the 2024 calendar year on Sunday afternoon in Lowell, MA against the UMass–Lowell River Hawks.

After a crushing 4-3 loss in Amherst on Saturday night, the Red Leafs look to rebound in Lowell and get in the win column before the end of the 2024 calendar year. Stellar performances by Ben Ward and Lucas Ceccarelli had SFU up 3-2 near the end of the second, but the team struggled to hold on as UMass forward Aydar Suniev completed the hat trick to pull away with the win.

The UMass–Lowell River Hawks are ranked in the top ten in both the USCHO poll and PairWise rankings, sitting in 10th in the poll and 8th in PairWise. The River Hawks have a 5-1-1 non-conference record so far this season with their latest win, 4-4 with a 3-2 victory in the shootout over St. Lawrence, earning them the 2024 Adirondack Winter Invitational crown. No current players are currently represented at the 2025 IIHF World Juniors, so the team is expected to dress a full lineup on Sunday afternoon.

SFU PLAYER TO WATCH – Forward Ben Ward lead the charge in last night’s game, scoring a goal and an assist to bring his season total to 7 goals and 8 points. The 5’6” attacker doesn’t let his size hold him back, and is regularly causing goaltenders issues with his net-front presence.

UML PLAYER TO WATCH – Freshman forward and Langley, BC native Mirko Buttazzoni leads the River Hawks with 14 points in 16 games. Buttazzoni has scored 4 goals and 5 points in his last 3 games.

Puck drop is scheduled for 12:30pm PT, and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fans can also follow along on Instagram and Twitter / X at @SFUHockey for live scoring and video updates.

UMASS-LOWELL | LAST FIVE

12.09 at Boston College | 2-3 L

12.06 vs. Boston College | 3-3 T (2-1 SOW)

11.30 vs. Clarkson | 4-4 T (3-2 SOW) (Adirondack Invitational)

11.29 vs. St. Lawrence | 2-0 W (Adirondack Invitational)

11.23 vs. Connecticut | 1-0 W

SFU Red Leafs vs. University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks

⏰ 12:30pm PT

📍 Tsongas Center; 300 Arcand Dr., Lowell, MA

📺 ESPN+

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