December 12, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UMASS HOCKEY FORWARD TIM LOVELL TO REDSHIRT 1996-97 SEASON AMHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts senior forward Tim Lovell (Norwood, Mass.) announced today that he has decided to use the 1996-97 season as a redshirt year and play a full season with the UMass hockey team in 1997-98. Lovell had the option of either playing a half-year with the squad this season or playing the full season next year due to NCAA requirements regarding transfers and academic credits. "It was a tough decision for me, but I think I've made t4he right one," said Lovell. "Playing next season will give me a chance to complete my degree, which has always been one of my primary goals." Lovell transferred to the University of Massachusetts this summer from the University of Maine. At Maine in 1995-96, Lovell was both a preseason and postseason All-Hockey East selection for the Black Bears. In 115 collegiate games, Lovell has 108 career points including 51 goals. "I think Tim has made a great decision for both himself and our program," said UMass Head Coach Joe Mallen. "The time will give him an opportunity to complete his degree program, plus he will make an immediate impact on our team that will have lost two of its top scorers next season." UMass is currently 7-7, 4-6 in Hockey East, and stands at sixth in league standings, just one point out of a tie for fourth place. --- Deron Treadwell ([log in to unmask])