Massachusetts redshirt freshman forward Frank Vatrano, who enrolled at UMass in January 2013, will become eligible for competition beginning with the 2014 Hockey East tournament.
This announcement comes as a result of an admissions documentation discrepancy at his previous academic institution, Boston College.
Vatrano will continue to practice with the Minutemen throughout the 2013-14 regular season and is also eligible to compete in UMass’ Jan. 12 exhibition against the U.S. Under-18 Team.
“Adding Frank Vatrano to the UMass family has been unbelievably beneficial up to this point,” said UMass coach John Micheletto in a news release. “Frank has positively impacted our team and culture with his work ethic and determination since joining us last January. We are looking forward to the day he pulls a UMass game jersey over his head for the first time – it will be a great day for Frank as well as for the program.”
The NCAA decided that Vatrano will sit 50 percent of UMass’ 2013-14 games in addition to his “year in residence” that every transfer must serve. Since he enrolled in January, his second half of his year in residence is the Fall 2013 semester.
He will be a redshirt sophomore in 2014-15 with three full seasons left to play, so he won’t be using a redshirt by playing in the 2014 postseason.
“I am very excited to be here at Massachusetts and to be a part of the hockey program,” added Vatrano. “Growing up just down the road from here makes this experience even more special. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to this year’s team in any way possible.”
