CHRIS
DAVIS
Massachusetts
So. | F | Simsbury, Conn.
One of the fastest skaters in Hockey East, Davis
scored nine goals and 18 points as a UMass freshman.
Key Statistics: Davis’
nine goals were good for third on the Minutemen last
year, and he returns as the top goal-scorer following
the departures of Stephen Werner and Marvin Degon. His
18 points were the fifth-most in Amherst last season.
What He Does: Davis is a real burner.
He was often the fastest player on the ice last season,
and he found himself alone on the breakaway more and
more as the year went on and he figured out how to really
put his legs to use.
The Bigger Picture: As
a freshman, he wasn’t asked or expected to shoulder
much of the offensive load. His emergence came as a
pleasant and welcomed surprise, though. This season,
things will be different. The Minutemen lost 23 goals
and 56 points when Werner and Degon graduated, and Davis
will have to avoid a sophomore slump and play like a
true veteran if UMass is to have much of a contending
chance in Hockey East. Coach Don Cahoon is known to
mix up his lines quite a bit throughout the season,
but the Minutemen’s most productive trio would
have Matt Anderson centering a line with Davis and Chris
Capraro this fall.
Former UMass forward and current
Washington Capitals prospect Stephen Werner on Davis:
“He skates really well – that’s
his strength. He’s very fast, and he’s got
a powerful stride. He’s got some good moves, and
he’s been working on his shot. I expect he’ll
finish more of his chances this year. Everything is
in place for him to have a big, breakout season.”
