So You Want to Play Pro Hockey?

Prof. Jeffrey Gerson, left, stands alongside the five panelists, Gerry Cheevers, Chris Ciceri, Jim Mill, Jeff Daw and Peter Cooney.

With hockey season now the center of attention on the UMass Lowell campus, Political Science Prof. Jeffrey Gerson and University Athletics teamed up to educate the student body on the condition of the minor leagues. On Oct. 27, five hockey experts discussed the major issues of the pros, and what athletes can expect when trying to break into the sport.

Former Boston Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers, now a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, was part of the all-star panel. Other experts included Chris Cicceri, executive director of the Lowell Devils; Peter Cooney, certified hockey agent and former owner of the Springfield Indians; Jeff Daw, former UMass Lowell assistant coach and a minor league hockey player for 10 years; and Jim Mill, executive vice president of the American Hockey League.

“Minor league sports in general are under-studied and misunderstood,” says Gerson, who heads the Politics and Sports program. “The idea was to better understand minor league hockey.”

The panel discussed the basic business of the minor leagues, and whether or not it will be affected by the country’s economic condition. It also covered the recent rule changes in hockey and the average day of a professional player.

Those who attended the event also received complimentary tickets to upcoming Lowell Devils and UMass Lowell Riverhawks hockey games at the Tsongas Arena.

- Devonne_Sutton