By Scott McLaughlin/DFP StaffUMass-Lowell has fired head coach Blaise MacDonald, according to the Lowell Sun. Sources told the paper that MacDonald e-mailed his players Thursday to inform them that he would not be returning next season. The article said the school is expected to make an official announcement sometime Friday.MacDonald went 150-178-42 in 10 seasons as the River Hawks’ head coach. UML posted a dismal 5-25-4 record this season and finished last in Hockey East. The five wins were the fewest in the program’s 28 years in Division I.The Billerica native led the River Hawks to three 20-win seasons, but they never made the NCAA tournament during his tenure. The closest they came was in 2009, when they lost 1-0 to Boston University in the Hockey East championship game.According to U.S. Hockey Report, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish and current Hamilton College head coach Norm Bazin are two of the names expected to be considered in the search for MacDonald’s successor. Both are UML alums.The River Hawks become the second Hockey East team in as many days to part ways with their head coach, as Tim Army relinquished his coaching duties at Providence College on Thursday.Update: The university has now made it official. Click here to read the full release.