Goaltending can make or break a hockey team. After losing star netminder Michael Hrabal to the NHL last spring, UMass hockey fans had every reason to worry about the state of the team’s goaltending heading into the 2026-27 season. Enter Ethan Eskit. The freshman puck-stopper from Calgary, Alberta has emerged as a steady option for the Minutemen and sports one of the best save percentages in the country a little over a month into the season. Eskit currently holds a .952 save percentage, which puts the 6-foot, 190-pounder third-best in the NCAA and first in terms of freshman goalies. Against Maine this past weekend in Orono, Eskit turned aside 88 of 91 shots-faced versus the Black Bears in UMass’ split, earning No. 32 Hockey East Goaltender of the Week honors. “I think it’s a big confidence boost but at the same time we split Maine, so there’s definitely room for growth,” Eskit said.
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In town news this week, Joyce and Mickey Sirota write that Sarah Thompkins, who was seriously injured in the Robbins Lumber mill fire and explosion in Searsmont in May, may be coming home in the next month. First responder Lily…
The Ozark Spring Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is seeking community volunteers and wreath sponsorships ahead of Howell County’s fourth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 19. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1019 E. Third St. in Mtn. View, where 195 veterans are laid to rest. Prior to the 11 a.m. ceremony, DAR members, assisted by Mtn. View Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3009 and local volunteers, will place remembrance wreaths on veterans’ graves. Each veteran’s name will be read aloud as the wreaths are laid in place. Organizers are asking for volunteers to help lay wreaths, read names and attend the memorial ceremony. The chapter is also seeking public donations to sponsor wreaths at $17 each. Donations of any amount can be combined to complete the purchase of a wreath. Sponsorships may be submitted online at wreathsacrossamerica.org/MO0237. Payment options include credit card, debit card, Google Pay or PayPal.
