On a crisp summer afternoon, more than a hundred alumni, coaches, current players and supporters of the UMass Lowell men’s ice hockey program converged at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, Massachusetts, for the 26th edition of the River Hawk Hockey Golf Tournament.
The day unfolded with an 18‑hole scramble played under a shotgun start, followed by a catered lunch, a series of raffles and a chance for participants to swap stories from past seasons.
Head Coach Norm Bazin took the podium to address the crowd, thanking the alumni network for their continued engagement and emphasizing the program’s role in shaping both athletes and professionals.
Among the voices was Paul King, one of the program’s founding players, who recalled the early days on an outdoor rink and contrasted them with the modern facilities that now include the Tsongas Center.
Former captain Ben Holmstrom, a 2010 graduate, praised Bazin for bridging generations, while AJ White, who capped his collegiate career in 2016, spoke about how the experience prepared him for professional hockey and life beyond the rink.
Looking Ahead to the Next Season
The gathering also served as a reminder of the program’s evolution, from humble beginnings to a competitive Division I presence that now opens its 2026‑27 campaign against Clarkson and St. Lawrence at the Tsongas Center on October 9‑10.
With the schedule set and the roster shaping up, the River Hawks are eager to translate the camaraderie witnessed on the golf course into on‑ice momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season.