Previewing The Merrimack College Warriors

Fresh after being named the college hockey champions in the City of Boston on Monday, the Eagles must gear up for yet another tough test this weekend as they get a home and home with Merrimack. In their first meeting this year, the Eagles tied the Warriors but probably should have lost as the Warriors were able to get a tying goal in the last minute and had a goal called back in OT. It is pretty fair to say that both teams have really changed since their January 8th meeting in Chestnut Hill. Since then, the Warriors have been able to stay in the race for home ice along with the Eagles, Terriers, Riverhawks, and Black Bears. Merrimack currently sits in fourth place in the league but are just a point back of the second place Eagles. If you have watched the Warriors this year, one thing stands out to you, they don't play a very exciting brand of hockey such as BC or Maine but they play solid defense and get great goaltending every night. You see, Merrimack does not have the skill of BC, BU, or Maine but they certainly have the best goalie and play the best team defense compared to all of those other teams. When you look at BC, you say their best play is Kreider, when you look at Maine you say Abbott but when you talk Merrimack, it is none other than their star goal Joe Cannata. Cannata ranks in the top four for every major statistical category in the league and is also very high in the country.

After seeing Merrimack play vs BU and even UNH, I don't know if this team can compete with the speed and skill level that BC has. I know they were able to tie us on January 8th but since then, the BC offense has been hitting on all cylinders. Merrimack has some good players like Flanigan, Todd, and Collins but I really don't think even those guys can compete with the skill of the Eagle forwards. Merrimack doesn't have the skill but they sure work hard. Every since Mark Dennehy took over the Warriors, they have slowly but surly turned into a Hockey East contender.

Players to Watch- Merrimack only has one player that has scored more than 9 goals this year.

1. Jesse Todd. Todd is that Warrior that has recorded more than 9 goals on the year as he is second on the team with 10 goals and 12 assist.

2. Ryan Flanigan leads all Warriors in points as he has recorded 8 goals and 15 assist on the year.

3. Joe Cannata. In many people minds (including mine) he is the best goaltender in Hockey East. The only real way to beat him is to get him moving. Since he is so big, he can stop a lot of shots.

Keys for the Eagles 

1. Match the effort on Monday. The effort on Monday (especially in OT) was one of the best ones of the year. Let's hope it continues this weekend.

2. The same guys are getting penalty minutes. Steven Whitney and Chris Kreider, two of the best players on this team, have combines for 83 penalty minutes this year. If it continues, bad things will happen

3. Generating Chances. The team can't just get shots on Cannata, they need really good shots/chances. 9/10 times, Cannata is going to stop a shot from the point when there is no traffic.

Notes 

1. Boston College is 55-20-5 all time vs Merrimack. The Warrior senior class has NEVER won @ Conte.

2. Merrimack has not won a game @ Boston College since 1997

3. BC is currently second in the pairwise rankings while Merrimack sits at 11th.

Prediction- This BC team is looking scary good right now. BC 5-3

BIGGEST NOTE- If Coach York and the team pick up a win tomorrow, it will be #900 for coach. What a special moment that would be if they could do it for him @ home.

 Previewing the Merrimack College Warriors: A Comprehensive Look

In the vibrant landscape of collegiate sports, Merrimack College Warriors have earned a reputation for their dedication, resilience, and competitive spirit. As they continue to make their mark in various sporting arenas, it's crucial to take a comprehensive look at the Warriors, their history, key teams, standout athletes, and what the future holds for this institution. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Merrimack College Warriors, providing an informative preview and answering frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this dynamic sports program.

A Glimpse into Merrimack College

Located in North Andover, Massachusetts, Merrimack College is a private institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and its thriving athletic programs. Founded in 1947, the college has steadily grown in both size and reputation, making a significant impact in the world of collegiate sports.

Warriors Athletics: A Rich History

Merrimack College's athletic programs have a storied history, marked by achievements and milestones that have captivated fans and inspired athletes. Here are some key highlights:

NCAA Division I Membership: The Warriors compete in Division I of the NCAA, the highest level of college athletics. This move to Division I in 2019 marked a significant step in the college's sports journey.

Hockey Excellence: Merrimack's men's ice hockey team has a rich tradition of excellence. They have competed in the Hockey East Conference and have made appearances in the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.

Growing Diversity: Over the years, Merrimack College has expanded its athletic programs, offering opportunities for student-athletes in various sports, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more.

Key Teams and Standout Athletes

Men's Ice Hockey: The men's ice hockey team is undoubtedly one of Merrimack's most prominent and successful programs. Over the years, several standout players have graced the ice, showcasing their skills and contributing to the team's legacy.

Notable Athlete: Joe Cannata - A former Merrimack goaltender, Cannata's exceptional play earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in college hockey.

Women's Basketball: Merrimack's women's basketball team has also made its mark in the Northeast Conference (NEC), displaying determination and skill on the court.

Notable Athlete: Denia Davis-Stewart - An impressive player on the women's basketball team, Davis-Stewart's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her accolades and respect.

Lacrosse: Lacrosse has been a growing sport at Merrimack College, with both the men's and women's teams showcasing their talents and competitiveness.

Notable Athlete: Charlie Bertrand - Bertrand, a former lacrosse standout at Merrimack, made history by becoming the first player in Division I lacrosse to score 200 career goals.

What's in Store for the Future?

As Merrimack College continues its journey in Division I athletics, the future looks promising. The institution is committed to fostering a culture of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and academic excellence among its student-athletes. Upcoming seasons will undoubtedly bring new challenges, memorable moments, and opportunities for the Warriors to shine on the national stage.

FAQs About Merrimack College Warriors

What is the significance of the Warriors' move to Division I athletics?

Merrimack College's move to Division I signifies the institution's commitment to enhancing its athletic programs and competing at the highest level of collegiate sports.

Which sports are most popular at Merrimack College?

Men's ice hockey has traditionally been the most popular and successful sport at Merrimack College. However, other sports like basketball, lacrosse, and soccer also have dedicated followings.

How can students get involved in athletics at Merrimack College?

Merrimack College offers a variety of opportunities for student-athletes to get involved in sports programs. Students can try out for teams, join intramural sports, or support teams as fans.

What is the role of athletics in the Merrimack College community?

Athletics play a vital role in fostering school spirit, community engagement, and a sense of belonging among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Are Merrimack College's athletic facilities state-of-the-art?

Yes, Merrimack College boasts modern athletic facilities, including the Merrimack Athletics Complex and the Warrior Ice Arena, which provide student-athletes with top-notch training and competition venues.

Merrimack College Warriors embody the spirit of dedication, resilience, and competitiveness that defines collegiate sports. With a rich history, key teams, and standout athletes, the Warriors continue to make their mark in the world of college athletics. As they look ahead to the future, Merrimack College remains committed to providing its student-athletes with opportunities to excel both on and off the field, ensuring that the Warrior spirit burns brightly for generations to come.