Serino Gets New Contract From Merrimack

Merrimack head coach Chris Serino has agreed to a new five-year contract, according to Merrimack president Richard J. Santagati, who made the surprise announcement at the team’s annual awards banquet.

Serino, who accepted the head coaching position in 1998, had two years remaining on his original four-year deal. Terms of the new contract were not disclosed.

“This is where I want to be,” said Serino, who was rumored to be in contention for the coaching position at UMass-Amherst before Don Cahoon was hired.

“Chris cares about our student-athletes as people first, students second, and hockey players third,” said Santagati. “He believes in what Merrimack is all about.”

Under Serino, Merrimack exceeded expectations of a last-place finish in 1999-2000 by finishing seventh in Hockey East (6-12-6, 11-19-6 overall). In his two seasons at the school, Serino’s overall record is 22-43-7.