MAURY EDWARDS

UMass Lowell

Jr. | D | Rocky Rapids, Alberta

Edwards finished second on the Riverhawks in points (29) and third in goals (11) last season.

Key Statistics: Edwards followed up his Hockey East All-Rookie selection in 2007-08 with a spot on the league’s first team last year alongside Matt Gilroy. Seven of Edwards’ goals came on the power play and he never went more than three games without a point.

What He Does: An offensive defenseman, Edwards skates well and has a bomb of a one-timer from the point. He scored some key goals for the Riverhawks as they reached the Hockey East championship game last season and, just as importantly from a coach’s perspective, remains solid defensively.

The Bigger Picture: On the heels of last year’s playoff run and with leaders like Edwards and Scott Campbell returning to the fold, expectations will be heightened at Tsongas Arena this season. This could be a year that Edwards – who emerged as one of Hockey East’s best defensemen last year – could make the leap to being seen on that level nationally.

UMass Lowell assistant coach Shawn McEachern on Edwards: “Our defensemen are really mobile; we like them to jump up in the play and help the attack. Maury’s a leader in that regard … Now he’s going to be a junior and we expect that he’ll be even better.”