LOWELL — Alabama Huntsville’s leading scorer is transferring to UMass Lowell.
Josh Latta, a 5-foot-11, 181-pound forward from West Vancouver, B.C., will join Norm Bazin’s program.
UML fans had an opportunity to see Latta play twice last season, as the River Hawks defeated Alabama Huntsville in a pair of early-season games at the Tsongas Center, 5-1 and 3-1. The visitors only scored twice in the weekend series and Latta picked up assists on both.
“We feel he was worth bringing on. Obviously he felt he wanted a new start. We feel fortunate to have him. Down the line, he could be good for us,” Bazin said.
Latta will be eligible to play immediately for his new program, if a new NCAA transfer rule is passed next month. If not, he will be eligible to skate for the River Hawks for the 2021-22 season.
Latta said he spoke with several colleges after deciding to transfer, but narrowed his search to UML, Northern Michigan and St. Lawrence.
“Lowell was my first two college hockey games. I was pretty blown away. Obviously they love their River Hawks. We walked out of the tunnel and all you could see was the student section. Not a lot of programs have the passion that UMass Lowell fans have. I’m stoked. I’m really, really excited. A few of the (UML) guys reached out today. Everyone has great things to say and that’s an awesome sign,” he said.
Despite being a freshman last season, Latta led Alabama Huntsville in scoring. The next highest scorer was three points back. Latta led his team in goals (7), assists (11) and points (18) in 32 games.
And he seemed to play his best against the best competition. During a weekend series at North Dakota, which ended the season ranked second in the nation, Latta tallied a goal and assist the first night, then picked up an assist the second night.
He also netted a season-best two goals against No. 11 Bemidji State.
“I would say I’m a cerebral player. I think the game well. I like the distribute the puck. I feel I’m responsible in my own end. Obviously Norm puts a big emphasis on that,” Latta said.
In 11 games against teams ranked in the top 12, Latta compiled eight points on three goals and five assists, something Bazin admitted caught his eye.
“He’s an average-sized forward with a great first three strides,” Bazin said. “He has a good hockey IQ and good vision.”
Latta’s 18 points would have placed him fifth on UML’s scoring list from this past season. His point totals become more impressive when the success of his team is taken into consideration — Alabama Huntsville finished 2-26-6.
Latta was on UML’s radar when he scored 40 points in 49 games for the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League.
“We knew about him. I thought he did better (his freshman year) than I thought he would. I thought he had a very good year,” Bazin said.
The addition of Latta highlights what has been a busy spring for the UML program.
Leaving Lowell
Three players have told Bazin they are transferring. A fourth has decided to start a professional hockey career and forego his final year of eligibility.
Deciding to transfer are goaltender Eric Green, defenseman Cale List and forward Derek Osik.
Green did not see any game action in his first year and a half at UML. He opted to join Muskegon of the United States Hockey League after Christmas, with the intention of returning to UML after the season.
But Green struggled in 12 games and told Bazin he wanted to go to a program where he could compete for the starting job.
List picked up one assist in 17 games over two seasons. He went scoreless in 13 games as a sophomore.
Osik, a walk-on, went scoreless in three games over two seasons.
Leaving for the pro ranks in Europe is forward Chris Schutz. Schutz, who will graduate in May, could have returned for one more season. Schutz netted 11 goals and 20 points during 63 games at UML after transferring from Robert Morris.
Future news
Bazin said the incoming freshman class will consist of at least five players.
The definites are goaltender Henry Welsch (6-2, 194, Lakeville, Minn.), defensemen Brehdan Engum (6-2, 221, Burnsville, Minn.) and Ben Meehan (6-0, 179, Walpole), and forwards Andranik Armstrong-Kingkade (5-9, 185, Alexandria, Va.) and Jackson Sterrett (6-0, 183, Hendersonville, Tenn.).
Welsch posted a 1.99 goals against average and .926 save percentage for Aberdeen of the North American Hockey League.
Engum compiled a 3-14-17 line in 49 games for Waterloo of the USHL. Meehan collected an 8-10-18 line in 25 games for Cedar Rapids of the USHL. Meehan’s promising start in his rookie season in the USHL was cut short by a season-ending injury.
Armstrong-Kingkade posted a 25-19-44 line in 50 games for Minot of the NAHL. Sterrett earned a 19-23-42 line in 52 games for Maryland of the NAHL.
Another forward, Matt Allen, has also committed to UML, but it’s unknown whether he will join the River Hawks for next season or the 2021-22 campaign.
Allen (5-10, 165, Minco, Okla.) accumulated a 25-32-57 line in 54 games for Amarillo of the NAHL.
Bazin said the River Hawks may bring in another player for next season, though it won’t be a defenseman.
Also, Bazin confirmed that several other future UML players will be switching teams next season.
Forwards Owen Cole (Ottawa, CCHL), Roc Truman (Bonnyville, AJHL) and Scout Truman (Drumheller, AJHL) are headed to the USHL. The Trumans are brothers.
