[1] Beside Wait, the Minumemen would have to deal with the loss of several key players as their leaders on offense (Bobby Trivigno), defense (Matthew Kessel) and in goal (Matt Murray) all had to be replaced.

UMass was ranked highly entering the season, making the top 10 in both polls and was picked to finish 3rd in Hockey East.

After an iffy start, the team swept the defending national champions, Denver, and were undefeated through their first 6 games.

An overtime loss to Merrimack dented their record slightly but by the beginning of November, UMass was in the top-5 and seemingly well on their way to another NCAA tournament.

At the Frozen Fenway, the team began a 6-game losing streak and dropped out of the polls for the first time in years.