Staff Writer: Kyle Dietzsch
Email: kdietzsch@umassd.edu
Having started last season with a loss, on their way to a record of 12 wins and 13 losses, the UMass Dartmouth Ice Hockey team came into the 2026-27 campaign looking to get off on the right foot. On October 30th, New Bedford’s Hetland Arena hosted a rematch of last season’s opener between the Corsairs and the Roger Williams University Hawks. Being well aware that early results can make or break a season, the Corsairs didn’t fail to deliver.
The first goal of the season came late in the first period from UMassD forward Brogan Shea. Although the Hawks responded with a goal early in the second period, it would be there only one of the night. This was thanks to a strong defensive effort against an aggressive RWU offense, and a number of big saves from goaltender Ethan Labbe. Under pressure from the first puck drop, Labbe made key stops throughout the game.
Midway through the second period, Corsair defenseman and team captain Nolan Wutzke scored on a power play. The score remained tight, at 2-1, until late on in the game. When RWU pulled their goaltender in the final minutes of the third period, it looked like their redoubled attack might break through and level the score. In the final minute of play, however, the Corsairs put all doubts to rest, when forward Levee Pakozdi scored on the Hawks’ empty net.
The game ended with a 3-1 win for the Corsairs. It was a statement victory from the team, but their weekend was just getting started.
The very next day, on Halloween, the team travelled to Westfield, MA, to take on the Westfield State University Owls. Last year, the Corsairs defeated the Owls 3-2 in their only matchup of the season. But WSU was still a threat to be taken seriously, given that they finished the 2025-26 season with an impressive 18-8-2 record.
Two goals in the first period, from winger Deaglan Kelly and defenseman Hunter Scanlon, gave UMassD a strong 2-0 lead. The two sides traded goals in the second period, starting with a goal from Westfield’s Jackson Gruber. The Corsairs responded with another goal, before conceding another to the Owls.
The final period started off badly for the Corsairs, giving up another goal to tie the game at 3 goals each. With momentum on their opponents’ side, UMassD fought hard to stay in the game. They forced an overtime period, where the first goal scored would decide the winner.
It took only two minutes of overtime for the Corsairs to take the deciding shot and win the game. The puck was tipped in by Shea, who’d scored the first goal of the 2026-27 season. With a final score of 4-3, UMass Dartmouth took their second victory in a row.
Two wins from the first two games will be a big boost for the Corsair Hockey program, as they chased an improvement in their overall season performance. It will be another busy week, though, with two more games just 24 hours apart. The Corsairs were back at Hetland Arena on November 4th to play the University of St. Joseph, and again on the 5th against Framingham State University.