Merrimack College 2017-2018

[Yuppie Scum]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Merrimack Season Ticket holder here. Here is my take on Merrimack's struggles with scoring. I have noticed that the team has a very hard time with no look passes. We would have some great scoring opportunities if those passes were connecting. It also seems the team lacks anticipation for where the puck will go next. Kind of falls into the no look passes. The players seem to be very weak on thinking ahead and visualizing where the puck will go. If we can solve this, I think this team could compete with anyone.

Really hate the new security measures. So I can understand the measures entering the building, but it is crazy that you have to go through it again if you want to go to the bookstore.
Also another pet peeve, does the music really need to be that loud during warm ups? LOL

On another note, I have heard from a creditable source that Merrimack will be announcing the move to Division 1 in all sports. The Northeast Conference (NEC) has accepted Merrimack's application. Has anyone else heard about this?

The music playlist could probably use some updating as well. At least we have a legitimate band now!

Great news on the D1 announcement, if that is true. It seemed like it was just a matter of time and the football stadium probably put them over the top.

 

[RENCEB]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Good to beat Bentley. That's a team they should beat, and they did. Nice job going 3-5 on the powerplay. Tough couple of weekends coming up with PC and NU.

 

[MC Alumni]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

On another note, I have heard from a creditable source that Merrimack will be announcing the move to Division 1 in all sports. The Northeast Conference (NEC) has accepted Merrimack's application. Has anyone else heard about this?

I have also heard this - Rumor has been bouncing around the athlete alumni circles since..maybe August or September? But there have been many rumors over the years, so will have to wait until I see it. hopefully not just rumors this time.

 

[MCWarrior1011]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

I have also heard this - Rumor has been bouncing around the athlete alumni circles since..maybe August or September? But there have been many rumors over the years, so will have to wait until I see it. hopefully not just rumors this time.

McMann wrote on his VIP blog the other day that it is closer than ever before. So I think it is closer also. He seems to be plugged in....he typed "I think it’s happening and my gut instinct is that it’s much closer now than it was a year ago."

This is also a HUGE weekend for me personally. My brother went to Providence so huge bragging rights at stake for Thanksgiving dinner. GO MACK!!!!!

 

[MC Alumni]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

McMann wrote on his VIP blog the other day that it is closer than ever before. So I think it is closer also. He seems to be plugged in....he typed "I think it’s happening and my gut instinct is that it’s much closer now than it was a year ago."

heard an announcement will be made after new year. 2019/2020 to begin NEC play in all sports.

Sidenote - will we get a point this weekend?

 

[RENCEB]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

What an embarrassment. Can't close out a game where you chased their goalie and had a 5-1 lead. Undisciplined penalties, poor defense. Really a very disappointing loss ( make no mistake, that may be tie in the standings but it was a loss on the ice).

 

[Yuppie Scum]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

What an embarrassment. Can't close out a game where you chased their goalie and had a 5-1 lead. Undisciplined penalties, poor defense. Really a very disappointing loss ( make no mistake, that may be tie in the standings but it was a loss on the ice).

What an epic choke. Winning cultures find a way to win when they should lose. Losing cultures find a way to lose when they should win.

 

[MC Alumni]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

What an epic choke. Winning cultures find a way to win when they should lose. Losing cultures find a way to lose when they should win.

losing culture....Something I think everyone at MC is afraid to address.

We've had TWO winning seasons in TWELVE YEARS! Admittedly, its a tough job for Dennehy.. I like him and I think he's done so much for the school, not measurable on the ice.. but how long can we stick with this recipe? Once the D1 announcement is made for all sports, and hockey continues to be terrible year after year.. I'm concerned about what will happen to the program. How the hell do does the staff/athletic department turn this culture around?

The most frustrating part is that almost every other sport on campus HAS a winning culture (except for maybe football). And they're working with even less.. hell, baseball, tennis, Track&Field don't even have facilities on campus..and they're all regional powers. Granted, division2..I get it..hockey east competitiion... I get it... but I'm sick of the excuses.

Hate to even bring it up, because this is such an exciting time for the school and athletic department.

frustrated but proud alum

 

[MCWarrior1011]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

seems like we have heard about not getting bounces for 4 years. It is just not fun to go to these games anymore. I am sick of going, losing and then hearing about how hard we worked and how we were so close but just arent getting bounces. Screw that!!!!!! blow it up.

 

[Yuppie Scum]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

I think it's an annual tradition for us to get frustrated this time of year. Hopefully they can turn things around in the new year. But yeah.. the song remains the same

 

[MC Alumni]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

I think it's an annual tradition for us to get frustrated this time of year. Hopefully they can turn things around in the new year. But yeah.. the song remains the same

Last year we turned it around after new year - had one of the best run's we've ever had.. and still came in 8th and lost the opening round of the playoffs! Like MCWArrior1011 said, every year we hear the same thing - we work hard, just not getting the bounces. after 10 losing seasons in 12 years maybe those unlucky bounces aren't that unlucky.. just that we aren't good.

I will never criticize collegiate players; I love their effort because we do in fact work extremely hard. And while we might not have a winning culture, we certainly have a hard working culture. I love that about MC.

but with the amount of money Dennehy makes..his criticism is fair - "blowing it up" is a legitimate argument.

 

[MCWarrior1011]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Last year we turned it around after new year - had one of the best run's we've ever had.. and still came in 8th and lost the opening round of the playoffs! Like MCWArrior1011 said, every year we hear the same thing - we work hard, just not getting the bounces. after 10 losing seasons in 12 years maybe those unlucky bounces aren't that unlucky.. just that we aren't good.

I will never criticize collegiate players; I love their effort because we do in fact work extremely hard. And while we might not have a winning culture, we certainly have a hard working culture. I love that about MC.

but with the amount of money Dennehy makes..his criticism is fair - "blowing it up" is a legitimate argument.

we used to be able to make fun of umass for years and now even they are better than we are. who is next to pass us? Maine?

 

[boblav1]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

but with the amount of money Dennehy makes..his criticism is fair - "blowing it up" is a legitimate argument.

Didn't Merrimack give Dennehy a contract extension last season?

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

we used to be able to make fun of umass for years and now even they are better than we are. who is next to pass us? Maine?

Ouch.
Maine, for many, many years, was a national powerhouse and was referred to as one of the 'Big Four' in Hockey East. Their return to that prestigious position would be one of the best things to happen to the Hockey East Association and NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey. Fans from the State of Maine, some of the nicest folks and knowledgable hockey fans you could ever meet, fill arenas all over the country when their team is involved in post season play. We need fan bases like theirs back in the national scene.

Not to take away from your desire for a better program at Merrimack, as I have a soft spot in my heart for the Mack as well. I have a daughter who was a student/athlete at Merrimack and graduated from your fine institution some years back. She loved her 4 years in North Andover, as did I. Fact of the matter is though, even a Jerry York would most likely struggle to win at the Mack. Take a look around and look at the facilities and resources that your coach is up against in the recruiting battles to field a team. In this outsiders opinion, I am very impressed with his team's compete level and their ability to beat any team in the nation on any given night. Merrimack pretty much brings it every night and is a very tough out for any program. That's coaching.

Won't be surprised if he is one of the front runners in the Boston College job when Jerry retires. Merrimack is the David competing against many Goliaths. What Dennehy accomplish's with little to work with does not go unnoticed. Be careful what you wish for folks.

 

[Yuppie Scum]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Ouch.
Maine, for many, many years, was a national powerhouse and was referred to as one of the 'Big Four' in Hockey East. Their return to that prestigious position would be one of the best things to happen to the Hockey East Association and NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey. Fans from the State of Maine, some of the nicest folks and knowledgable hockey fans you could ever meet, fill arenas all over the country when their team is involved in post season play. We need fan bases like theirs back in the national scene.

Not to take away from your desire for a better program at Merrimack, as I have a soft spot in my heart for the Mack as well. I have a daughter who was a student/athlete at Merrimack and graduated from your fine institution some years back. She loved her 4 years in North Andover, as did I. Fact of the matter is though, even a Jerry York would most likely struggle to win at the Mack. Take a look around and look at the facilities and resources that your coach is up against in the recruiting battles to field a team. In this outsiders opinion, I am very impressed with his team's compete level and their ability to beat any team in the nation on any given night. Merrimack pretty much brings it every night and is a very tough out for any program. That's coaching.

Won't be surprised if he is one of the front runners in the Boston College job when Jerry retires. Merrimack is the David competing against many Goliaths. What Dennehy accomplish's with little to work with does not go unnoticed. Be careful what you wish for folks.

I don't think the facilities gap is nearly as big as it used to be. The locker room is world-class, as is the weight room. Their lounge is ridiculous. That's what a lot of recruits care about. http://www.channelbuilding.com/portfolio-items/merrimack-colllege-volpe-center-locker-room/

There's no denying that we're not likely to have the kind of funding they do at NoDak, Wisco, ND, etc. At least not til Microsoft or Google buys my startup.

 

[MCWarrior1011]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Ouch.
Maine, for many, many years, was a national powerhouse and was referred to as one of the 'Big Four' in Hockey East. Their return to that prestigious position would be one of the best things to happen to the Hockey East Association and NCAA Division 1 Men's Ice Hockey. Fans from the State of Maine, some of the nicest folks and knowledgable hockey fans you could ever meet, fill arenas all over the country when their team is involved in post season play. We need fan bases like theirs back in the national scene.

Not to take away from your desire for a better program at Merrimack, as I have a soft spot in my heart for the Mack as well. I have a daughter who was a student/athlete at Merrimack and graduated from your fine institution some years back. She loved her 4 years in North Andover, as did I. Fact of the matter is though, even a Jerry York would most likely struggle to win at the Mack. Take a look around and look at the facilities and resources that your coach is up against in the recruiting battles to field a team. In this outsiders opinion, I am very impressed with his team's compete level and their ability to beat any team in the nation on any given night. Merrimack pretty much brings it every night and is a very tough out for any program. That's coaching.

Won't be surprised if he is one of the front runners in the Boston College job when Jerry retires. Merrimack is the David competing against many Goliaths. What Dennehy accomplish's with little to work with does not go unnoticed. Be careful what you wish for folks.

They just invested in new facilities. we are told that their locker room is one of the best in the league, if not the country. millions of spent there. Merrimack spends a ton on the program investing in a new practice rink, new arena lobby, it's now legit. We do not have the resources of say a BC or a BU, but we are not the little sisters of the poor either. No offense but I see your argument as excuse making. Union does not have resources and they won a national title. So many small schools getting it done and we are not. To say "well we can compete!" is not good enough. Im sorry but if you're happy just competing and not winning, that is a loser mentality. MC Alumni brought up the culture......

 

[MC Alumni]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

They just invested in new facilities. we are told that their locker room is one of the best in the league, if not the country. millions of spent there. Merrimack spends a ton on the program investing in a new practice rink, new arena lobby, it's now legit. We do not have the resources of say a BC or a BU, but we are not the little sisters of the poor either. No offense but I see your argument as excuse making. Union does not have resources and they won a national title. So many small schools getting it done and we are not. To say "well we can compete!" is not good enough. Im sorry but if you're happy just competing and not winning, that is a loser mentality. MC Alumni brought up the culture......

Agree with Maine comments - would be good to see them successful again.

100% agree with MCWarrior1011 - our facilities are no joke - those are no longer an excuse. I'm not sure I'd like to see Dennehy go.. yes he was offered an extension. I agree he's done well to make us relevant. But facts are facts-and fact is we've had 2 winning seasons in 12 years. who cares if you can beat any team on any night if you never end the season with a winning record and never make it past the quarterfinals. Over a 12 year period, I'd say most coaches could put together 2 winning seasons at MC..
Again, not trying to hate on Dennehy.. I respect the hell out of him and appreciate his contributions to the school. But how many more losing seasons until we switch focus?

 

[sterlippo1]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

losing culture....Something I think everyone at MC is afraid to address.

We've had TWO winning seasons in TWELVE YEARS! Admittedly, its a tough job for Dennehy.. I like him and I think he's done so much for the school, not measurable on the ice.. but how long can we stick with this recipe? Once the D1 announcement is made for all sports, and hockey continues to be terrible year after year.. I'm concerned about what will happen to the program. How the hell do does the staff/athletic department turn this culture around?

The most frustrating part is that almost every other sport on campus HAS a winning culture (except for maybe football). And they're working with even less.. hell, baseball, tennis, Track&Field don't even have facilities on campus..and they're all regional powers. Granted, division2..I get it..hockey east competitiion... I get it... but I'm sick of the excuses.

Hate to even bring it up, because this is such an exciting time for the school and athletic department.

frustrated but proud alum

Merrimack is in the wrong hockey league, you should be in the league that has Holy Cross in it. If you are looking for what Mack should be, that's where it is in my opinion. The coach is great and he took you to your ceiling, going to HE tourney final, it's just too tall a task to expect that even every 20 years or so in HE

 

[MCWarrior1011]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

Merrimack is in the wrong hockey league, you should be in the league that has Holy Cross in it. If you are looking for what Mack should be, that's where it is in my opinion. The coach is great and he took you to your ceiling, going to HE tourney final, it's just too tall a task to expect that even every 20 years or so in HE

That's the answer. Change leagues

Why? Mack spends the money. Look around the place. 20 years ago maybe I would agree but not now. Just the same tired argument from fans of other teams. Let me guess, you are a BC or BU fan right? Fans of those teams seem to always be the elitist a-holes who can't get over being in the same league as tiny Merrimack. It's really old. Come up with something new.

 

[Middle Street]

Re: Merrimack College 2017-2018

That's the answer. Change leagues

Why? Mack spends the money. Look around the place. 20 years ago maybe I would agree but not now. Just the same tired argument from fans of other teams. Let me guess, you are a BC or BU fan right? Fans of those teams seem to always be the elitist a-holes who can't get over being in the same league as tiny Merrimack. It's really old. Come up with something new.

I think sterilippo1 is just trolling you. He and FiveHole12 can relate as BC is the Merrimack of the ACC

I agree with you. Merrimack seems committed to athletics and Dennehy isn't moving the needle. I don't get the "be careful what you wish for" sentiment. Honestly how much worse could it get for Merrimack? You've already had over a decade to see the ceiling under Dennehy, and if the next guy is worse, then you move on, and hopefully quickly (I'm looking at you Maine). The upside is next guy is a Nate Leaman, Norm Bazin or Rand Pecknold.

Jerry York would also win at Merrimack in my opinion. A different era I know, but he won at Bowling Green didn't he?