UMass Lowell Hockey Brings Back a Former Player

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It says a lot about a program when a former player is brought back to help out in an off-ice role. Such is the case at UMass Lowell with their hockey program. Josh Holmstrom, who played for the River Hawks from 2010 to 2014. He was a two-time captain and a standout player. He also spent six seasons playing professionally in both the AHL and ECHL. He returns to Lowell to become the Director of Hockey Operations.

He comes back to the fold after spending the last couple of years with the Air Force Academy program. He was an assistant coach with the Falcons, helping to coordinate practice routines, put together game plans, work with forwards on faceoffs, and with special teams. His work with the power play unit helped to increase its production by 21% in 2023. The highest success rate since 2010. In the faceoff circle, the Falcons had a 54% win rate, which was seventh best in the nation. Holmstrom also took on the director of hockey operations role for the program, which included, among other things, managing off-ice logistics, team travel, and video preparations.

During his four-year career with the River Hawks, Josh received several team and school awards. He won the Unsung Hero Awards three times, from 2012 to 2014, the Gus Coutu Award in 2014, and the Jon Hellstedt Award in 2014. After playing pro hockey, Holmstrom also did some coaching in the EHL with the Walpole Express. He would lead that team to a championship appearance, which was the first for that organization in its history. In doing so, several members of that team would go on to play college hockey in the NCAA.

In accepting the position. Holmstrom said, “I am excited and honored to be returning to UMass Lowell.” He talked about how he is looking forward to helping the program continue its success. Holmstrom and the team will get started in just under a month when the River Hawks host Merrimack to begin the 2025-26 season.