AMHERST — The first matchup of the 2026-27 season between UMass and Northeastern ended in a blowing defeat for the Huskies, as the Minutemen took the win 4-1.
Head coach Jerry Keefe described Northeastern’s performance as, “just an inconsistent effort.” The Huskies initially looked strong after sophomore forward Miguel Marques scored early in the first period to put Northeastern up 1-0.
However, the Huskies struggled to maintain their composure after UMass tied the game 24 seconds later on a tip from the blue line by sophomore forward Vaclav Nestrasil.
After the equalizer, UMass began to take control, while Northeastern struggled to establish the “blue-collar game down low” that Keefe emphasized. The Minutemen capitalized in the second period, on another tipped goal, this time from sophomore forward Lukas Klecka.
UMass added two more goals in the third period, starting with a goal by sophomore forward Gavin Cornsforth, who had also delivered a hard hit on Northeastern goaltender Lawton Zacher earlier in the game. Zacher’s status for Saturday’s matchup remains uncertain.
Postgame Keefe did not give a concrete answer on Zacher’s status for Saturday.
The Minutemen capped the scoring with a breakaway goal from Nestrasil off a Northeastern turnover, marking his second of the night. Despite the loss, Keefe expressed confidence in the Huskies’ ability to respond Saturday. “We have worn that locker room,” Keefe said.
The Huskies will look to start stronger in Saturday’s rematch and regain their early momentum. Northeastern will also need to limit high-danger chances against freshman goaltender Sam Caulfield and help him settle into the college game.
UMass’ pressure disrupted Northeastern’s defensive breakout on Friday, forcing the Huskies into rushed decisions. Staying composed and finding the open man will be key to improving their puck movement in Saturday’s game
Offensively, Northeastern failed to generate chances and mostly played keep-away. UMass freshman goaltender Ethan Eskrit is prone to giving up rebounds, so the Huskies need to drive the net and capitalize on second chances.
Overall, it wasn’t a great showing for the Huskies, but Saturday will show how Keefe adjusts and the team responds.
With the loss, Northeastern falls to 1-1 on the season and 0-1 in Hockey East play. The Huskies return to the ice on Saturday, October 17, at 5:30 pm to once again face off against the Minutemen. Kabir Singh, Luke Graham, and Finbar Fitzpatrick will be on the call on WRBB Sports++.