BOSTON — When the NHL’s best head to Toronto next month for All-Star Weekend, there will be two former UMass Minutemen on the ice.
Frank Vatrano, an East Longmeadow native in addition to be a former Minuteman, was the Anaheim Mighty Ducks’ representative when the first wave of players were announced. He has 21 goals, three shy of his career high, and 12 assists. It’s his first All-Star nod.
Cale Makar, who was in Boston with the Colorado Avalanche Thursday to face the Bruins, will be an All-Star for the third time after being added by fan vote. The 2019 Hobey Baker winner who led UMass to its first Frozen Four is a leading Norris Trophy contender and a dark horse for the Hart Trophy with 10 goals and 43 assists.
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But it’s more than the All-Stars, there are more former Minutemen who’ve been in the NHL this year than any previous year as 13 former UMass players have appeared in at least one game.
“It’s awesome to see success coming from the program,” Makar said after morning skate on Thursday. “There’s definitely a lot of close friends I keep in touch with from UMass, especially when we cross paths along the way.”
Here are the other 11 former Minutemen who have played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season. (Note: All stats are through Wednesday’s games)
New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)AP
Jonathan Quick — The former Conn Smythe winner has been reborn for the Rangers. The 37-year-old goal has thrived as New York’s No. 2 goalie since signing as a free agent. He’s 9-3-2 with a 2.49 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
Mario Ferraro — While the Sharks have struggled, the ex-Minuteman defenseman is having a strong year. He’s their No. 1 defenseman with a goal, 13 assists and a team-high 23:51 of average ice time.
Brandon Montour — Injured earlier in the season, Montour, a short-time Minuteman isn’t having the same impact as he did when he amassed 73 points last year. Still, he’s been heavily counted on with 23:08 minutes per game before Thursday on a Panther team that’s challenging Boston in the Atlantic Division.
Conor Sheary — The much-traveled 31-year-old is in his first season in Tampa. He’s been a double-digit goal scorer every year since 2016-17, but a November injury slowed him. He’s got just one goal and seven assists this season in 26 games.
Zac Jones — The 23-year-old defenseman is still trying to establish himself as a permanent NHL player. He’s been up and down this year for the Rangers with 14 games in the NHL.
Dallas Stars goaltender Matt Murray (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)AP
Matt Murray — The Stars prospect has only played one game in the NHL this year as he’s blocked by two veterans in Dallas, but he made the most of his call-up with 23 saves in a 4-0 shutout of the Minnesota Wild.
Joel Hanley — The 32-year-old is having a solid season as a bottom-pair defenseman in Dallas where he’s a +4 in 20 games.
William Lagesson — In his first season in the Maple Leafs organization, he’s been up and down between the AHL and the NHL with 21 games in Toronto.
Marc Del Gaizo — Currently playing for the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, Del Gaizo had three assists and was a +2 in five NHL games in November for the Nashville Predators.
Mitchell Chafee — After playing one game with the Lightning, he’s got 24 points in 31 games for the Syracuse Crunch as he seeks another call-up.
Two former Minutemen square off in the preseason: St. Louis Blues’ Matthew Kessel (51) handles the puck as Minnesota Wild’s Mitchell Chaffee (63) defends during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)AP
Matthew Kessel — Called up just before New Year’s, Kessel has played seven games in his second NHL stint after playing parts of three seasons with the Springfield Thunderbirds.
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