SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The UMass Amherst Minuteman ice hockey team is getting ready for their first game in the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Their tournament games are being played locally in Springfield.

After losing to Boston College in the Hockey East semifinals on Friday night, the team was selected as the No. 4 seed for the Springfield Regional semifinal during the selection process Sunday.

UMass will be taking on No. 1 seed Denver on Thursday afternoon at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

Head Coach Greg Carvel said during the team press conference Wednesday afternoon that despite the loss over the weekend, he still expects a strong performance from the team heading into the playoffs.

"I don't think we should ever lose a game," said Carvel. "I think this team has enough and can do enough to win every game. So I'm excited to play here. I hope we have a great turnout. I hope we have our top-level game because that's why people coach, to try to get the best out of people."

The puck drops at 2 p.m. Thursday with the winner having the opportunity to compete in the regional finals at the MassMutual Center on Saturday.