LOWELL — When Nate Misskey was drafted by a National Hockey League team, he was the talk of his Canadian town.
It seemed everyone heard the news because, well, Melfort, Saskatchewan (population 5,955 in a 2021 census) is a tight-knit and small community.
“It’s a small little town,” the 6-3, 213-pound UMass Lowell freshman defenseman said after practice Tuesday at the Tsongas Center. “Everyone pretty much knows everyone else around town. That was a pretty big deal. It was awesome. People were calling my parents to congratulate them.”
Misskey, selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 143rd pick in 2024, is coming off his best game as a River Hawk. On Saturday, he tallied his first collegiate goal in his eighth game and added an assist as UML earned a Hockey East split with 16th-ranked Providence thanks to a solid 5-1 home victory.
Known more as a strong defenseman, Misskey has three points in his last three games.
“He’s very honest defenseman,” head coach Norm Bazin said. “When he’s on he’s been very good offensively and defensively.”
Bazin said Misskey has had plenty on his plate “because we have a young D corps.” Like other players coming from the Canadian Hockey League, there’s been an adjustment period to college hockey for Misskey.
“The guys are bigger, stronger. Definitely a lot of speed in (Hockey East),” he said.
Misskey made the tough decision at age 14 to leave home and further his hockey career. His travels ultimately led him to the Western Hockey League. He played in 172 regular-season games over the previous three seasons with the Victoria Royals.
He staged an impressive season last winter, compiling 10-37-47 totals in 63 games and then added six assists in 11 playoff games.
Playing in front of home crowds at the Tsongas has been “amazing,” he said.
Misskey brought the crowd to its feet last Saturday when he pocketed his first collegiate goal. Stationed in the left faceoff circle, he one-timed a nifty cross-ice feed from Jak Vaarwerk for a power-play goal against Providence.
“It was a nice feed from Vaarwerk. It’s certainly something I’d like to contribute,” he said of providing offense from the back end.
He has long admired the play of hulking veteran NHL defenseman Brent Burns, known mainly for a booming slap shot and lengthy beard. The beard is something Misskey doesn’t have in common with Burns, though.
“I can’t grow facial hair,” the baby-faced Misskey said with a laugh.
Scouting the Wildcats
UML (4-4, 2-2) will return to Hockey East play with a weekend set against New Hampshire. UNH (3-4, 1-2 HE) is coming off a split against Vermont.
The Wildcats stunned many in their season opener when they defeated No. 2 Michigan State, 4-3. UML will host the first game Friday (7:15 p.m.) and the Wildcats will host the Saturday (7 p.m.) rematch.
“A team that has a good transition offense and good goaltending,” Bazin said. “A lot to be aware of.”
Bazin said he was pleased with the way his team responded after falling 5-1 to Providence last Friday.
“Every game we’re adding a little piece. I’d like us to be more connected,” he said. “We showed a good response Saturday from Friday. We realized we have to play a certain way to have a chance at success.”
“It was pretty big. It shows what we’re built of,” Vaarwerk said. “We have a big weekend against UNH. I know they’ve had our number in the past.”
Loose pucks
Two players who seemed to emerge last weekend were junior defenseman Sean Kilcullen and sophomore forward Libor Nemec.
Kilcullen tallied his first collegiate goal Friday with a well-placed wrist shot. On Saturday, he blocked a shot with his team shorthanded. Fellow defenseman TJ Schweighhardt picked up the puck, raced down ice and sniped a key goal.
Nemec, meanwhile, who showed promise during an injury-plagued freshman season, was held without a point in his first seven games. But he collected two assists in Saturday’s win.
“I like the way those guys played over the weekend. I think there’s other guys ready to bust out. I do,” Bazin said. … UML has tallied two shorthanded goals this season. Strangely, both have been notched by defensemen – Tnius Mathurin had the first. … UML continues to be without Mathurin and freshman forward Diego Buttazzoni due to injuries.
Bazin said sophomore defenseman Daniel Buchbinder, who was injured during one of his first shifts in the season opener against Merrimack, will not return this season. … Area football fans are thrilled by the six-game winning streak put together by the Patriots. But at least one UML player says New England won’t win the AFC East.
Asked who will capture the division, Vaarwerk couldn’t have answered more quickly. “The Bills,” responded the native of Clarence, N.Y., a Buffalo suburb, and a lifelong Bills fan. … Vaarwerk (2-4-6), Schweighardt (2-4-6) and Dalyn Wakely (0-6-6) lead the team in points.
Barry Scanlon
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