Edmonton Oilers Prospect Evan Campbell Filling Void for UMass Lowell

It wasn't that Evan Campbell had a bad freshman season, but he perhaps didn't quite live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. The arrival of the 2013 NHL Draft selection of the Edmonton Oilers had River Hawks fans giddy, but he scored just nine goals and added two assists for 11 points in 33 games.

This season Campbell has taken on more of a primetime role for Norm Bazin's club that had to deal with offseason departures of forwards Scott Wilson, Joe Pendenza, Derek Arnold and Josh Holmstrom. Campell, the Port Coquitlam, British Columbia native, has been up for the challenge so far. He's found the back of the net twice and dished out three assists in three games as UML has started 2-0-1.

Campbell has a point in each of the three games including a goal and two assists in Saturday's 3-3 tie at Quinnipiac. The River Hawks will continue to rely on Campbell's progression and development. Seven of the eight UML players averaging a point per game are freshmen, sophomores or first year transfers.

UMass Lowell returns home to the Tsongas Arena on Friday and Saturday as Bazin's young squad hosts Michigan and Michigan State.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.