Notebook: Matthew Wood questionable for Friday's game at UMass

UConn head coach Mike Cavanaugh isn’t sure whether Matthew Wood will play at UMass on Friday after Canada’s run at World Juniors ended earlier than expected. Wood is expected to return to campus from Sweden on Wednesday night and until the coaching staff can check in with him and see how he feels, his status for the contest is uncertain.

“Hopefully we'll get him back here safe and sound tonight, see how he's doing tomorrow and then we'll make a decision,” Cavanaugh explained.

Wood played in five games (along with a handful of exhibitions) with Team Canada for the World Juniors tournament, though he only saw 41:18 of playing time in total, or 8:17 per game. For reference, Wood typically plays 16-18 on a given night for the Huskies. Still, the high stakes combined with the travel — first to Canada for camp then to Sweden for the tournament — can take its toll.

“It's certainly easier when the games are in North America,” Cavanaugh said. “It's such a grueling and intense tournament that it's not an easy transition (back).”

UConn’s offense managed without Wood against Harvard on Sunday. The Huskies put 38 shots on goal — their fifth-highest total of the season — and scored four goals, one of which was an empty-netter. Still, Wood is a valuable piece of the team’s attack. His seven goals are tied with Chase Bradley for the team-lead while his 12 points are second behind only Bradley. Wood has also put 65 shots on net, which ranks in the top 20 nationally.

Veilleux still out

While Wood is questionable for Friday’s contest in Amherst, Jake Veilleux (knee) has already been ruled out. The junior forward is getting closer to making his season debut, though.

“He won't be playing this weekend but he had two full practices yesterday and today without contact,” Cavanaugh said. “Hopefully we can work him into some contact either tomorrow or Monday and kind of go from there. We won’t really know until he starts participating through a full practice with contact. But so far he's look pretty good.”