Merrimack '21-'22 - Finally Thread Worthy

[RENCEB]

At 5-7-0 in league play and .500 overall (10-10-1). 3 of the league losses against UMass, all 1 goal losses late or in OT. Played the Minutemen very tough. Weekend sweep against PC was really positive. Defense and goaltending has come on lately; Ollas (6'8") is HUGE. It looks like they have more skill up front than in the last couple of years. 18 points through 12 games, only 1 point out of 4th with games in hand vs. BU, BC and PC. Weekend series against UMass Lowell who look to be the class of the league. Nice to see MC getting in the mix.

[hobeydog]

New to the area and impressed by the grit of Merrimack in the 3 games I've attended. Looking forward to this week's home and home with UMass Lowell. Is there a strong rivalry between the teams due to their proximity?

[Chuck Murray]

New to the area and impressed by the grit of Merrimack in the 3 games I've attended. Looking forward to this week's home and home with UMass Lowell. Is there a strong rivalry between the teams due to their proximity?

Merrimack won 13 of the teams' first 15 meetings. Since then, UML has an 80-28-11 advantage.

So, quick answer, once you get past geography and hype ... not really.

Merrimack College Athletics Men's Ice Hockey History vs University of Massachusetts Lowell (merrimackathletics.com)

[Darius]

Merrimack won 13 of the teams' first 15 meetings. Since then, UML has an 80-28-11 advantage.

So, quick answer, once you get past geography and hype ... not really.

Merrimack College Athletics Men's Ice Hockey History vs University of Massachusetts Lowell (merrimackathletics.com)

Hard to get past geography, the road trip is practically a walk. Would be interesting to hear what their fans, especially UML, think.

Nice seeing the ‘mack thread on top.

[UMLFan]

Hard to get past geography, the road trip is practically a walk. Would be interesting to hear what their fans, especially UML, think.

Nice seeing the ‘mack thread on top.

This was a major rivalry back in the DII days. But it's been extremely lopsided in Lowell's favor at the DI level. Lot of the old-timers though remember the DII days fondly, and some of the stories about that rivalry are fantastic. There are a couple of stories on the rivalry in this older USCHO article.

[hobeydog]

Terrific article! Love the story and history. Thanks for the link!

[RENCEB]

This was a major rivalry back in the DII days. But it's been extremely lopsided in Lowell's favor at the DI level. Lot of the old-timers though remember the DII days fondly, and some of the stories about that rivalry are fantastic. There are a couple of stories on the rivalry in this older USCHO article.

As a proud "old-timer" I well remember those mid to late '70's and early 80's days. I was the Merrimack mascot for the '76-'77 and '77-'78 seasons. For big games (and Lowell was certainly one of those), I'd don a flowing blue, white, and gold head-dress (remember, "politically incorrect" was not part of the lexicon back then). I'd skate around before the games getting pelted with tennis balls from the Chief's fans, and calmly lift them right over the 'Mack fans. For the '76-'77 ECAC playoff game, my frat brothers and I created a dummy with a bleach bottle for a head and put a goalie mask on it. We fashioned a #30 Lowell jersey from an old tee shirt and proudly added the name "SIEVE" across the shoulders (IIRC, Brian Doyle was the goalie and he was excellent). I skated out with a duffle bag, unveiled our creation, and hung him from the crossbar using a coat hanger. I'd played hockey up through high school, so I could skate and shoot decently. I tried to head hunt the dummy with a couple of slapshots; high and cracked off the glass. Let's just say I had "pre-gamed" a bit. While I skated away, a couple of Chief's fans came on the ice from the zamboni door, grabbed the dummy and tried to shuffle off. The were intercepted by some of Merrimack's finest "rent-a-cops" and escorted from the premises.
Merrimack went on to win the game before a packed house (Merrimack-Lowell games were ALWAYS big crowds), and ended up winning the ECAC over Union and their evil coach, Ned Harkness. What a great season, and what great memories.
Would love to see those sort of crowds and that atmosphere again.

[hobeydog]

More great memories and funny too! Heading to the game shortly and expect a great one. A newcomer thanks for the input.

[RENCEB]

5 in a row, 6 wins in last 7 games, and only gave up more than 2 goals in the non-conference loss to UMASS. Early season defensive and goaltending issues seem to have been resolved. They are now tied at 14th in the PAIRWISE with UMass Lowell. Sweeping UML was huge. Liam Walsh with 4 points on the weekend, including the winning goal last night. Durflinger's mid air swat was "Marchand-like". Should be HE Play of the week! Both Ollas and Borgiel were immense (hope Borgiel is okay after getting run into by a Lowell player; I didn't see the play so can't really comment on the hit). Keep it going 'Mack!

[hobeydog]

Attended both games and really enjoyed myself. Lots of excitement in each game and great attendance. Two comeback wins, the most impressive overcoming a 2-goal hole on the road. Special teams are playing well, and the defense has been stifling. A very impressive weekend!

[Yuppie Scum]

The Mack is back!

I'll admit to being a bit out of the loop, but it seems to be time to jump back on the bandwagon. Borek was sold as a big time recruiter and with a full cycle under his belt it's nice to see actual results.

I'll be in Hartford for the tilt tomorrow.

[hobeydog]

Tenacious forecheck, terrific special teams, super goaltending and another come from behind win. This team is for real!

[RENCEB]

Tenacious forecheck, terrific special teams, super goaltending and another come from behind win. This team is for real!

Agree. There was a stretch in the 3rd where MC had UNH pinned in their own zone for about a minute straight. Welsher with the hat trick. Good for him. Did not see the Forsmark major, but he is suspended for tonight againt ME (who got hammered by BC last night). Would love to see the Warriors sweep the month of February!!

[RENCEB]

Wow, that was an azz-kicking of the highest order. They were soooo much faster and more skilled than Maine. Speed, tic-tac-toe passing, holding onto the puck in tight space. Really noticed that virtually everything Mack did was done with purpose; no lazy clears, everything crisp and fast. BIG game on Tuesday night againt UConn. Huskies have a game in hand, so these are 3 important points.

[RENCEB]

Didn't get the goaltending they needed, and the 4th goal for the Huskies was a back breaker. Jeffries has a great chance on a break in and shoots it wide, and UConn comes right back and scores on a weird "spin-o-rama" backhand. IMHO, Ollas is their#1 and should probably get 4 of the remaining 6 games. This may be one of the best UConn teams in recent years.