Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey

Last updated
Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey
Hockey current event.svg Current season
Merrimack Warriors.svg
University Merrimack College
Conference Hockey East
Head coach Scott Borek
6th season, 76–103–11 (.429)
Assistant coaches
  • Dan Jewell
  • Chris Ross
Arena J. Thom Lawler Rink
North Andover, Massachusetts
ColorsBlue and gold [1]
   
NCAA Tournament championships
DII: 1978
NCAA Tournament Frozen Four
DII: 1978, 1984
NCAA Tournament appearances
DII: 1978, 1984
DI: 1988, 2011, 2023
Conference Tournament championships
ECAC 2 (DII): 1967, 1968, 1977, 1980 East
ECAC East (DIII): 1987, 1988, 1989
Conference regular season championships
ECAC 2 (DII): 1968, 1969, 1975, 1976
ECAC East (DIII): 1987, 1988, 1989
Current uniform
Mchockeyjerseys.jpg

The Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Merrimack College. The Warriors are a member of Hockey East. They play at the 2,549-seat J. Thom Lawler Rink in North Andover, Massachusetts, which underwent renovation in 2010. Merrimack's 92.08% capacity during the 2013–14 season was second in Hockey East. [2]

Contents

History

The Warriors started intercollegiate play in 1954–55, as the college offered more support to the program in the form of a modest budget, new uniforms and varsity letters. Babson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Keene Teachers were among the first intercollegiate competition Merrimack hockey faced that year. And for the first time, the college recognized hockey as a varsity sport. [3]

They were successful in the late 1970s and early 1980s while playing in the ECAC Division II. Merrimack won the division II national title in 1978 and were the runner up in 1984. They became an NCAA Division I independent team in 1984 but did not play a schedule against predominantly Division I teams until they joined the Hockey East conference in 1989. [4] [5]

Led by Coach Ron Anderson, a new era began for Merrimack hockey in 1989 when the Warriors competed in their first season as a member of the Hockey East Association. That team posted an overall record of 10–24–1, but pulled off the surprise of the season by taking eventual league champion Boston College to a third and decisive playoff game. And after being picked for the bottom part of the league in three of the last four seasons, the Warriors continued to baffle the experts by battling for home-ice advantage all season long while defeating several Top 20 teams. And with the roots of the Merrimack hockey tree that were planted in Hockey East seven years earlier firmly entrenched, the 1996–97 Warriors entered a new chapter in history by qualifying for a Hockey East playoff home ice berth. The 1997–98 team raised the bar a little higher by upsetting top-ranked Boston University in the quarterfinals and earning a trip to the conference semifinals at Boston's FleetCenter.

The 1998–99 season began yet another era in Merrimack hockey history with the dawning of the Serino age. On April 24, 1998, Chris Serino became just the sixth head coach in the program's history. The Warriors posted a mark of 11–24–1 in Serino's inaugural campaign, and senior forward and captain Rejean Stringer was named an All-American, Merrimack's first ever in the University Division. In Serino's second season, the Warriors set an NCAA record for consecutive overtime contests by playing in six straight at the end of January, and in 2000–01, the Warriors notched 14 victories, the most for Merrimack since 1996–97. Several of those victories were over nationally ranked opponents.

In 2002–03, senior goaltender and captain Joe Exter led Merrimack to a surprising race for home ice throughout much of the season, including the team's first-ever regular season Division I tournament title with wins over host Rensselaer and Wayne State at the 52nd Annual Rensselaer/HSBC Holiday Hockey Tournament in late December. Exter was selected to the All-Hockey East Team by league coaches. Long-time assistant coach Stu Irving was also honored, as the American Hockey Coaches Association presented him with its Terry Flanagan Memorial Award in recognition of an assistant coach's career body of work. The season also saw the inauguration of the Blue Line Club, the program's official support organization. [6]

The program struggled in the highly competitive Hockey East. The 2006–07 season, in which they won only 3 games, was the nadir of their struggles. In the 2010–11 season, however, they had unprecedented success against several of the nation's top teams. [2] They finished the regular season 22–8–4 and were ranked 9th in the nation. Merrimack gained a home ice advantage for the first round for the first time since 1997. [4]

The program received its first No. 1 ranking in the USCHO Poll during the 2011–12 season.

Mark Dennehy was fired as the team's head coach at the conclusion of the 2017–18 season following a 12–21–4 record and a sixth straight losing season. Scott Borek was hired as the team's head coach on April 9, 2018.

Season-by-season results

Source: [7]

All-time coaching records

As of the completion of 2023–24 season [7]

TenureCoachYearsRecordPct.
1956–1964 Jim Reynolds 846–45–3.505
1964–1965 Ron Ryan 16–8–0.429
1965–1978 J. Thom Lawler 13218–138–10.609
1978–1983 Bruce Parker 5100–76–5.566
1983–1998 Ron Anderson 15254–253–24.501
1998–2005 Chris Serino 778–149–27.360
2005–2018 Mark Dennehy 13168–243–60.420
2018–Present Scott Borek 676–103–11.429
Totals7 coaches68 seasons946–1019–140.483

Awards and honors

NCAA

Individual awards

All-American Teams

AHCA Second Team All-Americans

Hockey East

Individual awards

All-Conference teams

First Team

Second Team

Third Team

Rookie Team

Statistical Leaders

Source: [8]

Career points leaders

PlayerYearsGPGAPtsPIM
Jim Vesey 1984–1988140110134244
Richard Pion 1985–1989124103128231
Mike Reynolds 1972–1976124113111224
Tom Lawler 1977–1981138102119221
Jim Toomey 1976–198014099121220
Mickey Rego 1977–198113694108202
Mark Ziliotto 1985–198913684100184
Bob Magnuson 1976–19801329091181
Billy Dunn 1972–19751028196177
Andy Heinze 1986–19901447789166

Career goaltending leaders

GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

minimum 30 games played

PlayerYearsGPMinWLTGASOSV%GAA
Sam Marotta 2010–201447236014194943.9172.39
Rasmus Tirronen 2011–2015683893223481593.9182.45
Joe Cannata 2008–201212271455946162947.9152.47
Hugo Ollas 2021–202462331927270826.9142.48
Collin Delia 2014–20175632402124101344.9112.48

Statistics current through the end of the 2023–24 season.

Current roster

As of September 7, 2024. [9]

No. S/P/CPlayerClassPosHeightWeightDoBHometownPrevious teamNHL rights
2 Flag of British Columbia.svg Nathan KingFreshman D 6' 2" (1.88 m)192 lb (87 kg)2004-06-11 Victoria, British Columbia Victoria Grizzlies  ( BCHL )—
3 Flag of New York.svg Seamus PowellSophomore D 6' 0" (1.83 m)176 lb (80 kg)2004-04-26 Marcellus, New York Dubuque Fighting Saints  ( USHL )—
5 Flag of Florida.svg Trevor GriebelJunior D 5' 10" (1.78 m)165 lb (75 kg)2001-03-07 Tampa, Florida Fargo Force  ( USHL )—
7 Flag of Sweden.svg Max WattvilSophomore D 6' 2" (1.88 m)192 lb (87 kg)2002-08-11 Stockholm, Sweden Minnesota Wilderness  ( NAHL )—
8 Flag of Massachusetts.svg Harrison RoyGraduate F 6' 1" (1.85 m)194 lb (88 kg)2000-01-17 Lakeville, Massachusetts Lake Superior State  ( CCHA )—
10 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador.svg Mark HillierSenior F 6' 1" (1.85 m)180 lb (82 kg)2002-03-18 Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador Summerside Western Capitals  ( MHL )—
11 Flag of Minnesota.svg Nick PierreFreshman F 5' 9" (1.75 m)165 lb (75 kg)2004-04-09 Cottage Grove, Minnesota Omaha Lancers  ( USHL )—
13 Flag of Manitoba.svg Jordan HughesmanFreshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m)180 lb (82 kg)2003-04-24 Winnipeg, Manitoba Brooks Bandits  ( BCHL )—
14 Flag of Massachusetts.svg Tyler YoungJunior F 6' 1" (1.85 m)180 lb (82 kg)2001-05-08 Lancaster, Massachusetts Maryland Black Bears  ( NAHL )—
15 Flag of Alberta.svg Vann YuhasFreshman F 6' 0" (1.83 m)174 lb (79 kg)2004-02-20 Medicine Hat, Alberta Drumheller Dragons  ( AJHL )—
16 Flag of Massachusetts.svg David SaccoFreshman F 6' 1" (1.85 m)194 lb (88 kg)2002-01-03 Middleton, Massachusetts Alberni Valley Bulldogs  ( BCHL )—
17 Flag of Alberta.svg Cam KungleFreshman D 6' 3" (1.91 m)202 lb (92 kg)2002-03-28 Red Deer, Alberta Lake Superior State  ( CCHA )—
19 Flag of Ontario.svg Jack RichardSophomore F 6' 4" (1.93 m)180 lb (82 kg)2002-12-13 Stoney Creek, Ontario Niagara  ( AHA )—
20 Flag of British Columbia.svg Ethan BonoSophomore F 6' 3" (1.91 m)201 lb (91 kg)2004-01-15 Port McNeill, British Columbia Alberni Valley Bulldogs  ( BCHL )—
21 Flag of New York.svg Caden CranstonFreshman F 5' 10" (1.78 m)174 lb (79 kg)2004-03-23 Rochester, New York Surrey Eagles  ( BCHL )—
22 Flag of Pennsylvania.svg Michael CitaraSenior F 5' 10" (1.78 m)160 lb (73 kg)2002-04-22 New Hope, Pennsylvania Providence  ( HEA )—
23 Flag of Michigan.svg Antonio VenutoGraduate F 6' 3" (1.91 m)215 lb (98 kg)2000-02-26 Whitmore Lake, Michigan Ferris State  ( CCHA )—
24 Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Josef MyšákGraduate D 6' 3" (1.91 m)215 lb (98 kg)1999-09-08 Litvínov, Czech Republic Niagara  ( AHA )—
25 Flag of Illinois.svg Luke WeilandtSophomore F 5' 10" (1.78 m)181 lb (82 kg)2002-04-04 Northbrook, Illinois Wenatchee Wild  ( BCHL )—
26 Flag of Sweden.svg Ivan ZivlakSenior D 6' 2" (1.88 m)190 lb (86 kg)2002-08-08 Gislaved, Sweden Linköping J20  (J20 Nationell)—
28 Flag of New Jersey.svg Ryan O'ConnellFreshman F 5' 10" (1.78 m)187 lb (85 kg)2003-10-23 Moorestown, New Jersey Cedar Rapids RoughRiders  ( USHL )—
29 Flag of Saskatchewan.svg Caelan FitzpatrickFreshman F 5' 11" (1.8 m)185 lb (84 kg)2003-06-17 Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Brooks Bandits  ( BCHL )—
34 Flag of Sweden.svg Nils WallströmSophomore G 6' 3" (1.91 m)185 lb (84 kg)2003-10-15 Skellefteå, Sweden American International  ( AHA )—
35 Flag of Alaska.svg Ryan KeyesFreshman G 6' 2" (1.88 m)172 lb (78 kg)2003-04-25 Fairbanks, Alaska South Shore Kings  ( NCDC )—
37 Flag of New York.svg Zach BookmanJunior D 5' 10" (1.78 m)175 lb (79 kg)2002-03-29 Syracuse, New York Brooks Bandits  ( AJHL )—
43 Flag of Alberta.svg Ty DaneaultSophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m)192 lb (87 kg)2004-12-20 Red Deer, Alberta Drumheller Dragons  ( AJHL )—
47 Flag of Sweden.svg Max LundgrenFreshman G 6' 5" (1.96 m)229 lb (104 kg)2002-04-03 Ängelholm, Sweden Des Moines Buccaneers  ( USHL )—
55 Flag of North Dakota.svg Colby EnnsGraduate (RS) D 6' 2" (1.88 m)201 lb (91 kg)1999-09-16 Minot, North Dakota Northern Michigan  ( CCHA )—
62 Flag of New York.svg Michael EmersonSophomore F 6' 1" (1.85 m)190 lb (86 kg)2003-11-26 Yorktown Heights, New York Chicago Steel  ( USHL ) CAR , 190th overall  2023
72 Flag of Manitoba.svg Hunter WallaceFreshman F 5' 7" (1.7 m)165 lb (75 kg)2003-05-02 Oak Lake, Manitoba Brooks Bandits  ( BCHL )—

Olympians

This is a list of Merrimack alumni were a part of an Olympic team.

NamePositionMerrimack TenureTeamYearFinish
Karl Stollery Defenseman2008–2012 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg CAN 2018 Bronze medal icon.svg Bronze

Warriors in the NHL

As of July 1, 2024.

PlayerPositionTeam(s)YearsGames Stanley Cups
Declan Carlile Defenseman TBL 2023–Present10
Greg Classen Center NSH 2000–2003900
Mark Cornforth Defenseman BOS 1995–199660
Stéphane Da Costa Center OTT 2010–2014470
Collin Delia Goaltender CHI, VAN 2017–2023520
Matt Foy Right Wing MIN 2005–2008560
Jim Hrivnak Goaltender WSH, WIN, STL 1989–1994850
John Jakopin Defenseman FLA, PIT, SJS 1997–20031130
Bob Jay Defenseman LAK 1993–199430
Johnathan Kovacevic Defenseman WPG, MTL, NJD 2021–Present1430
Steve McKenna Defenseman LAK, MIN, PIT, NYR 1996–20043730
Darrel Scoville Defenseman CGY, CBJ 1999–2004160
Brett Seney Left Wing NJD, TOR, CHI 2018–Present660
Karl Stollery Defenseman COL, SJS, NJD 2013–2017230
Jim Vesey Center STL, BOS 1988–1992150

Source: [10]

NHL Entry Draft Selections

As of May 17, 2024.

PlayerPositionDraft YearSelectionTeam
Jim Hrivnak Goalie1986Round 3 Pick 61 Washington Capitals
Ben LebeauForward1988Round 5 Pick 101 Winnipeg Jets
Dan HodgeDefencemen1991Round 9 Pick 194 Boston Bruins
Gaetan PoirierLeft Wing1996Round 6 Pick 156 Florida Panthers
Marco RosaCenter2001Round 8 Pick 255 Dallas Stars
Anthony AquinoForward2001Round 3 Pick 92 Dallas Stars
Matt FoyForward2002Round 6 Pick 175 Minnesota Wild
Joe CannataGoalie2009Round 6 Pick 173 Vancouver Canucks
Brent SeneyLeft Wing2015Round 6 Pick 157 New Jersey Devils
Johnathan Kovacevic Defencemen2017Round 3 Pick 74 Winnipeg Jets
Zachary UensDefencemen2020Round 4 Pick 105 Florida Panthers
Matt CopponiCenter2023Round 7 Pick 216 Edmonton Oilers

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References

  1. ↑ "Merrimack College Brand Guidelines" . Retrieved February 22, 2017.
  2. 1 2 Buckley, Steve (February 13, 2011). "Merrimack foundation... rock solid". The Boston Herald. Retrieved February 15, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Warrior Hockey".
  4. 1 2 Powers, John (March 10, 2011). "New ice age dawns at Merrimack". The Boston Globe. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
  5. ↑ "Merrimack Men's Hockey Team History". USCHO.com. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
  6. ↑ [warriorhockey.org/history "warriorhockey.org/history"].{{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  7. 1 2 "Merrimack Warriors men's Hockey 2018-19 Year-By-Year Results" (PDF). Merrimack Warriors. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Merrimack men's Hockey 2018-19 Record Book without Year-By-Year" (PDF). Merrimack Warriors. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  9. ↑ "2023-24 Merrimack College Men's Ice Hockey Roster". Merrimack Warriors. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Alumni report for Merrimack College". Hockey DB. Retrieved November 26, 2018.
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