UMass lost its third player in six days on Thursday when freshman forward Steven Guzzo suffered a knee injury at the Minutemen's early afternoon practice at Mariucci Arena.

Already out for the Gophers' series was sophomore forward Eddie Olcyzk, who suffered a leg injury -- one report said ankle -- in the Minutemen's 4-3 overtime loss to New Brunswick on Saturday in an exhibition game.

Freshman defenseman Joel Hanley also is not with the team because of a family emergency. An older brother, Jordan, 23, died this week.

Freshman forward Troy Power (shoulder) was hust in Tuesday's practice. He skated on Thursday at Mariucci in a non-contact jersey. His status is questionable but he might play one game.

Having three, maybe four players out, will force UMass coach Don (Toot) Cahoon to make some lineup adustments. But he told masslive.com that the Minutemen, 18-18-0 last season, will not make any excuses this season.

UMass played in the Gophers' 2006 Dodge Holiday Classic at Mariucci but did not face the host team. The Minutemen tied Ferris State 1-1, OT, and lost to Alabama Huntsville 5-2.