Bria spent the first two seasons of his college
career at Colgate before transferring to UMass Lowell.
Key Statistics: Bria
posted 13 points (five goals and eight assists) last
season at UMass Lowell, equaling his offensive totals
from his first two collegiate seasons at Colgate.
What He Does: Bria's
biggest attribute is his shot, particularly his one-timer,
which could be among the best in Hockey East. Look for
UMass Lowell to utilize it more this season. He's solid
at both ends, although can be susceptible to speedy
forwards in the defensive zone.
The Bigger Picture: Never
mind the 14 newcomers in the UMass Lowell locker room
– it won't be a quiet place as long as Bria is
around. He'll jump into a conversation quicker than
he'll jump into the rush. Expect the Riverhawks to ask
him to do both this year, however, as they lean on defensemen
for more of their offense. A forward-dominated team
in recent years, their top four scorers graduated. That,
combined with the presence of three promising but unproven
freshmen defensemen in the lineup, will put added pressure
on Bria and fellow senior defensemen Cleve Kinley.
UMass Lowell assistant coach Kenny
Rausch on Bria: "It's his senior year,
and we'll be leaning a lot on him and Cleve [Kinley].
We'll be looking to get a lot of offense out of our
D this year."
