Garrett Wait made UMass hockey his home after transferring from Minnesota, and he’s keeping it that way. The senior announced Wednesday he was returning to the Minutemen for his fifth season of eligibility.
“Having the opportunity to come back to UMass was a no-brainer,” Wait said in a release. “This place feels like home. The fans bring great energy every night. The staff is unbelievable. My teammates are my brothers. I’m really excited to be coming back to spend my fifth year at UMass.”
He’s played 61 games for the Minutemen over the past two seasons, notching 22 goals and 20 assists. Wait accumulated 13 goals and 12 assists this season playing on UMass’ top line. He’ll be the only member of that line returning next year after Bobby Trivigno signed with the New York Rangers and Josh Lopina signed with the Anaheim Ducks.
Wait was a member of last year’s national championship team, scoring the overtime winner in the Frozen Four against Minnesota-Duluth, and has helped UMass win back-to-back Hockey East tournament championships.
OUT TO PASTURE – Senior defenseman Ty Farmer will finish his college career where he played just before it started. The four-year UMass player will use his fifth season of eligibility and transfer to North Dakota, the school announced Wednesday.
“I am so thankful for my time at UMass, I have made relationships that will last a lifetime,” Farmer tweeted.
Farmer won the USHL’s Clark Cup playing with the Fargo Force. He amassed 35 points in 97 games as a Minuteman and helped UMass raise its national championship trophy and two Hockey East crowns.
“We are excited to welcome Ty to the North Dakota family,” North Dakota coach Brad Berry said in a release. “He brings a national championship level of pedigree to our locker room and defense group. We are excited to have him help us add to the tradition at UND.”
EYES ON HOCKEY EAST – Next season, there will be even more ways to watch Hockey East action. The league announced two media rights deals Wednesday: a multi-year extension with NESN and a six-year deal with ESPN.
NESN will still broadcast 50 Hockey East games a year, including the men’s tournament semifinals and championship.
Every non-NESN game will be broadcast on ESPN-Plus, and three will appear on ESPNU, including the conference tournament. The women’s championship game will be broadcast on an ESPN property.