UMass Lowell - Can They Handle the Hype?

After spending much of the recent past at the bottom of Hockey East, UMass Lowell finds itself in uncharted waters prior to the season starting - 2nd. My question is: Can they handle the hype?

We've seen teams such as the Ole Miss football team fall flat after being raved about and ranked high in pre-season polls. Like the Rebels, I believe UMass - Lowell will face similar pressures and it will be interesting to watch the River Hawks play as the hunted and not the hunter.

And if you believe that UMass - Lowell isn't paying attention to the polls, enjoy the following picture. I have a feeling the pressure that's being added by the school combined with their new role as top dog and not underdog will result in a up and down season but I'll be watching them for sure.